The Detroit Lions lost both coordinators during the offseason, but one of them may already be in trouble just months into his new role.
Former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn took the head coaching job with the New York Jets, immediately making waves by parting ways with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Now, Glenn finds himself under pressure after the Jets dropped to 0-6 following an overseas defeat to the Denver Broncos, a loss that drew heavy criticism for his poor clock management.
Aaron Glenn Criticized for Costly Decision
The Jets appeared disorganized in their 13-11 loss on Sunday, managing only 82 yards of total offense. They had a chance to score before halftime, but Glenn let the clock run out instead of using a timeout as the team advanced near midfield.
The miscue brought national criticism, with NFL Network’s Rich Eisen calling out Glenn during the broadcast.
“The Brits are wondering what is happening in London, and so are the American announcers,” Eisen said.
Wide receiver Garrett Wilson was visibly frustrated, with cameras showing him in a heated exchange with Glenn heading into halftime. Commentator John Frascella called the error “a fireable offense.”
“You can see Garrett Wilson SCREAMING at Aaron Glenn here, Glenn has to resign at halftime, this is the worst coaching in the history of the sport,” Frascella posted on X.
Others echoed calls for Glenn’s firing, though he remained firm in his postgame comments. When asked if he would consider benching quarterback Justin Fields, Glenn snapped back.
“Come on, man, what kind of question is that?” Glenn said.
He added that one bad game wasn’t enough to justify a benching. Fields finished 9-of-17 for 45 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions.
“There are times in this league when players have off days,” Glenn said. “That doesn’t mean you bench them. You know better than that.”
Lions’ New Defensive Coordinator Facing Early Tests
After Glenn’s exit, the Lions promoted linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator. Despite Detroit’s 4-1 start, Sheppard has faced early hurdles with mounting injuries and top-tier opponents.
The Lions have already taken on Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens and now face Patrick Mahomes and the high-powered Kansas City Chiefs tonight.
“Yeah, they gave me murderer’s row my first year as a coordinator,” Sheppard told SI.com. “The play-callers and quarterbacks I’m up against aren’t making it easy. But make no mistake, we’re facing a Hall of Fame coach and quarterback. Even if they retired today, they’re going to Canton. I have the utmost respect for what they’ve done and continue to do.”
