Saints Face Setback in Coaching Search as Aaron Glenn Accepts Jets Head Coach Position

The New Orleans Saints’ search for their next head coach has hit a significant setback with the news that Aaron Glenn, one of the team’s top candidates, will no longer be considered for the position. Glenn, who was the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, has officially been hired as the head coach of the New York Jets, marking a blow to the Saints’ plans for a leadership change. This news broke on January 22, 2025, with Adam Schefter of ESPN confirming that Glenn will be heading to New York to take over the Jets’ helm.

For the Saints, the timing of this development couldn’t be worse. The team had hoped to make significant strides in their search for a new head coach this week, with in-person interviews scheduled despite the massive winter storm that had delayed many of the meetings. Aaron Glenn, once a fan favorite to take over the position in New Orleans, was seen as the ideal candidate to bring the team back into playoff contention, given his successful tenure in Detroit as the defensive coordinator. But Glenn’s deep-rooted ties to the Jets, a team he had played for and later worked as a scout, ultimately proved too strong to overcome.

A Missed Opportunity for New Orleans

Heading into this coaching cycle, the Saints appeared to have one of the most appealing job openings in the league. With a talented roster led by quarterback Derek Carr and the defensive prowess of stalwarts like Demario Davis, the team was poised to compete for playoff spots in the coming seasons. Glenn, who had been praised for his work with the Lions’ defense, was widely considered to be the ideal fit for a team in need of leadership and stability.

The Saints’ management had hoped that Glenn’s connection to the New Orleans area, where he had spent a portion of his playing career, would be a factor that could tip the scales in their favor. Yet, in the end, the Jets’ historical ties to Glenn proved to be the deciding factor. Glenn, who was drafted by the Jets in the first round of the 1994 NFL Draft, had spent years working with the organization in various capacities, making the prospect of him returning as the team’s head coach even more appealing.

In a statement, Glenn expressed his excitement about taking over the Jets’ franchise, citing the team’s potential and his deep connection to the New York market. “I’ve spent a lot of time with this organization, and I am incredibly excited to take this next step with them,” Glenn said. “It’s a privilege to come back to where it all began for me, and I look forward to building something special with the players and fans of New York.”

For the Saints, this development is a significant disappointment. Aaron Glenn was seen as the front-runner in their search for a new head coach, and many within the organization felt that his leadership skills and defensive expertise would be exactly what the team needed to make a return to contention in the NFC South. The Saints will now have to quickly adjust their plans as they continue to evaluate other candidates.

The Impact on the Saints’ Coaching Search

With Glenn now off the board, the Saints find themselves scrambling to find another candidate who can help lead the team back to prominence. It was widely believed that the next few days would be critical in their decision-making process, as in-person interviews were already scheduled with other potential candidates, including Mike Kafka, Anthony Weaver, and former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy.

Mike Kafka, the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive coordinator, had been generating significant interest due to his success in helping to develop quarterback Patrick Mahomes into one of the most prolific passers in NFL history. Kafka, who has been a key figure in the Chiefs’ offensive renaissance under head coach Andy Reid, was considered one of the top young minds in the game and would bring a fresh perspective to New Orleans’ offense.

Anthony Weaver, who has spent time as a defensive coordinator with the Houston Texans, is another candidate being interviewed by the Saints. Weaver’s defensive expertise, paired with his familiarity with the intricacies of team-building, made him a valuable option for a Saints team looking to bolster its defense and get back on track after a disappointing season.

Another key figure in the Saints’ search is Mike McCarthy, who has previously led the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl victory. While McCarthy’s tenure in Dallas has been marked by mixed results, there’s no denying his pedigree and experience at the helm of a successful NFL franchise. McCarthy would bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the Saints, but questions remain about his ability to succeed in the postseason, where his recent track record has been less than stellar.

However, the most intriguing option may be Joe Brady, the Buffalo Bills’ offensive coordinator, who was previously with the Carolina Panthers as their head coach. Brady is seen as an up-and-coming offensive mind with the potential to revitalize the Saints’ offense, particularly under the guidance of quarterback Derek Carr. Brady’s youthful energy and modern approach to offense could inject a new dynamic into the team, but concerns linger about his leadership abilities and whether he is ready to take on the responsibilities of being a head coach.

In the wake of Glenn’s decision, the Saints will likely turn to these candidates, with the hope that one will emerge as the ideal fit to guide the team into the future. However, the clock is ticking, and the team will need to move quickly to finalize their decision, especially given the strong competition from other teams that are also in the market for a new head coach.

What’s Next for the New York Jets?

While the Saints face an uncertain future in their coaching search, the Jets are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Aaron Glenn as their new head coach. Glenn’s hiring marks a new era for the Jets, who have long struggled to find stability at the head coach position. The franchise has cycled through several coaching changes in recent years, and Glenn is seen as a steady hand who can help guide the team out of its rebuilding phase.

Glenn’s deep knowledge of the Jets’ roster and his experience as a former player and scout make him an appealing choice for the team. Under his leadership, the Jets will hope to build a competitive squad that can challenge for playoff spots in the AFC. Glenn’s success with the Detroit Lions’ defense, where he helped transform a historically underperforming unit into one of the league’s most formidable defenses, will be a major asset as he takes on his new role in New York.

The Road Ahead for the New Orleans Saints

For the New Orleans Saints, the decision to move on from Aaron Glenn signals a need for swift action in their coaching search. With interviews scheduled for several top candidates, the team must now refocus its attention on finding the right leader to take the franchise to the next level. Whether that means selecting a more experienced coach like Mike McCarthy or taking a chance on a younger, high-potential candidate like Joe Brady, the Saints will need to make their choice soon to ensure they remain competitive in the NFC.

As the coaching carousel continues to spin, the Saints must adapt quickly, keeping their eyes on the prize and ensuring that their next head coach will be the one to lead them back to the playoffs and beyond. The future of the team rests on this critical decision, and fans will be watching closely to see who ultimately takes the reins in New Orleans.