The Detroit Lions experienced a noticeable regression in 2025 after losing both their offensive and defensive coordinators to head coaching opportunities, and the aftershocks from those departures may not be over yet.

Former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson accepted the head coaching role with the Chicago Bears, while defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn took charge of the New York Jets. Since taking their new positions, both coaches have shown interest in bringing familiar faces with them. Now, one NFL analyst believes Glenn could attempt to lure another important defender away from Detroit in the coming offseason.

Anzalone Linked to the Jets

Fox Sports reporter Greg Auman recently ranked the league’s top 100 impending free agents and projected their potential landing spots. He placed Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone at No. 80 and predicted a reunion with Glenn in New York.

Anzalone, now 31, has been a steady presence in Detroit’s defense over the past five seasons. During that stretch, he averaged 14 starts and close to 100 tackles per year while playing on a team-friendly contract worth $6 million annually. With his deal expiring, Auman suggested that Glenn—who coached Anzalone for four seasons in Detroit—could look to bring him aboard in New York, where the linebacker arguably played some of his best football under Glenn’s guidance.

SI.com’s Zach Pressnell also floated the idea, noting that the Jets may need help at linebacker if All-Pro Quincy Williams departs in free agency as expected. Anzalone could represent a more affordable alternative, potentially commanding between $8 million and $10 million per season.

Glenn’s interest in former Lions might not stop there. According to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, speaking on the “Jets Final Drive” podcast, New York has been aggressively pursuing players who are familiar with Glenn’s leadership style. In addition to Anzalone, cornerback Amik Robertson was mentioned as another possible target.

Meanwhile, Detroit is aiming to maintain roster stability after seeing its two-year reign atop the NFC North come to an end. The organization hopes to avoid major personnel losses as it pushes to reestablish itself as a playoff contender in 2026.

Glenn’s Rocky First Year in New York

While Ben Johnson enjoyed immediate success in Chicago—guiding the Bears to the top of the NFC North in his debut season—Glenn’s first year with the Jets proved far more difficult.

New York struggled throughout the season and failed to show meaningful defensive progress, leading to mounting scrutiny of Glenn’s leadership. Although ownership ultimately stood by him, the Jets made sweeping changes elsewhere on the coaching staff following a disappointing 3-14 campaign.

One notable move came after a 48-20 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars, when Glenn dismissed defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. Glenn later explained that he believed the defense had not demonstrated sufficient improvement and felt a change was necessary for the good of the organization.

In total, seven additional coaches were let go as part of the overhaul. Despite the turbulence, Glenn retained his position and will head into the 2026 season under pressure to deliver better results.