The Atlanta Falcons held a virtual interview with Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn for their head-coaching vacancy on Friday. It’s noteworthy that the interview took place virtually, considering the Lions were scheduled to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFC divisional round playoff game on Sunday.
The Detroit Lions’ defense, under Aaron Glenn’s coordination, ranked 23rd in scoring defense (23.2 points per game) and 19th in total defense (336.1 yards per game) during the regular season. However, in a Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, the Lions recorded seven sacks and kept Atlanta out of the end zone in a 20-6 victory.
Aaron Glenn, 51, is currently in his third season as the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. Prior to his coaching career, Glenn had an illustrious 15-year NFL playing career from 1994 to 2008. As a three-time Pro Bowl cornerback, he intercepted 41 passes, returning six for touchdowns, and played for the New York Jets (1994-2001), Houston Texans (2002-04), Dallas Cowboys (2005-06), Jacksonville Jaguars (2007), and New Orleans Saints (2008).
The Atlanta Falcons have interviewed a total of nine candidates for the head coaching position. Among those interviewed are former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and current Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh. A second interview with Belichick has been scheduled for Saturday.
The other candidates who interviewed for the Falcons’ head coaching vacancy include Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, and Ravens assistant head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver.
The Falcons parted ways with Arthur Smith after finishing the 2023 season with a 7-10 record, marking the third consecutive season with the same record under Smith’s tenure.
