Former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn may be facing a tougher challenge than expected with the New York Jets, according to several league insiders.

Glenn was hired by the Jets after helping develop one of the NFL’s most competitive defenses during his time in Detroit. His departure came after the 2024 season, the same offseason in which former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson left to take over the Chicago Bears. While Johnson quickly turned Chicago into a contender, Glenn has encountered a far more difficult situation in New York, where roster limitations have created major obstacles and led some observers to question the team’s direction.

A Difficult Situation in New York

In conversations with Mike Sando of The Athletic, one NFL executive expressed concern that the Jets’ long-standing organizational issues extend well beyond Glenn’s control.

According to the executive, the franchise has developed a pattern of trading away talented players in exchange for draft picks, only to struggle to attract free agents and remain stuck searching for a reliable quarterback. The executive suggested that the team repeatedly rebuilds with young players and draft assets but still fails to solve the quarterback problem, eventually restarting the same cycle again. The person also speculated that ownership may play a significant role in those decisions.

Still, Glenn has not avoided criticism. Another league executive told Sando that the Jets have been bringing in veteran players in hopes of improving the locker-room culture, arguing that Glenn has not been able to replicate the kind of leadership impact his former Detroit head coach, Dan Campbell, created with the Lions.

Not everyone around the league is pessimistic, however. One executive offered a more encouraging evaluation of the Jets’ situation, suggesting that the team’s roster has improved enough to eliminate many of its biggest weaknesses. From that perspective, the Jets could have flexibility during the draft, whether moving up or down the board. The executive also noted that the team’s aggressive free-agency approach may be nearing its end, emphasizing that future roster building will depend heavily on successfully developing their draft selections.

Detroit Adjusting After Coaching Departures

Meanwhile, the Lions experienced some setbacks after losing both Glenn and Johnson. Following three straight playoff appearances, Detroit finished the 2025 season with a 9–8 record and narrowly missed the postseason.

To replace Glenn, Detroit promoted linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator. However, the defense showed inconsistencies throughout the season.

According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Detroit could be adjusting its defensive strategy heading into the upcoming year. The Lions relied on base defensive formations more frequently than any other team in the league last season, but the departure of veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone in free agency may push the team to adapt.

Campbell recently explained that Sheppard has already incorporated three different nickel defensive packages into the team’s offseason plans, and which scheme becomes the primary one will likely depend on the personnel available.

Detroit could also face stronger competition within the division. Under Johnson’s leadership, the Bears captured the division title last season and appear well positioned moving forward with quarterback Caleb Williams leading the offense.