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2023 NFL head coach tracker: Latest news on Lions DC Aaron Glenn, other candidates

A look at the latest head coaching news and rumors and the interest in Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

Philadelphia Eagles v Detroit Lions Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images

Given how impressive the Detroit Lions’ finish to the 2022 season was, it should come as little surprise that their coaching staff is getting some very positive attention. Head coach Dan Campbell is getting some talk for Coach of the Year, but his staff is also getting their flowers.

Unfortunately, that also means that Detroit’s coordinators could be hot commodities when it comes to the head coach carousel that follows every season. And, indeed, that has already been the case. Per several reports, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was requested to interview for three different head coaching positions on just the first day of the offseason. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn received one request on Monday, as well.

Things tend to move pretty quickly in NFL head coaching searches, so we’ll be tracking all of the requests, interviews, candidates, openings, and eventual hirings here—and how it pertains to the Lions coaching staff. If any other coaches—perhaps positional coaches—get interest elsewhere as teams fill out the rest of their staff, those will be added to the tracker below, as well.

For now, here’s a list of the head coach openings, and each team’s interest in the Lions staff.

Note: I am only updating the searches that Aaron Glenn is currently involved in.

UPDATE: Ben Johnson has turned down all remaining interviews and will return to Lions in 2023.

Coaching vacancies (1 remaining)

Cardinals

UPDATE: Glenn is no longer being considered for the Cardinals job, per Jeremy Fowler.

Have they requested to interview Glenn: Yes
Have they interviewed Glenn yet: Yes — In-person interview on 1/21

Second interview? **Not yet, but according to Josina Anderson, Glenn is expected “to get another look” from Cardinals. **

Who are other candidates for the job?

Colts — HIRED EAGLES OC SHANE STEICHEN

Have they requested to interview Glenn: Yes (story)
Have they interviewed him yet: YES
Has he had a second interview: YES

Who are other candidates for the job:

Texans — Hired DeMeco Ryans

Have they requested to interview Glenn: No

Who are other candidates for the job?

Panthers — Hired Frank Reich

Have they requested to interview Glenn: No

Who are other candidates for the job?

Broncos — Hired Sean Payton

Have they requested to interview Johnson: No
Have they requested to interview Glenn: No

Who are other candidates for the job?


TL;DR version

Lions OC Ben Johnson, candidate for:

  • Colts — Interviewed on January 13
  • Texans — Interviewed on January 12
  • Panthers — Scheduled in-person interview for January 18

Ben Johnson turned down remaining interviews and will return to Lions.

Lions DC Aaron Glenn, candidate for:

  • Colts — Interviewed on January 14, Second interview scheduled for 2/2
  • Cardinals — Had interview scheduled for January 21

Colts hired Shane Steichen and Cardinals have told Glenn he is no longer in the running.