When Aidan Hutchinson suffered a likely season-ending leg injury, Detroit Lions’ defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn faced a major challenge.

However, if Glenn could still get solid performances from his defense, it would significantly enhance his prospects as a head coaching candidate.

While Hutchinson is irreplaceable, the Lions’ defense has stepped up in his absence, with recent results that include allowing 14 or fewer points in three of their last four games.

Critics might argue that the quality of competition in two of those games and weather conditions in another were factors, but Detroit’s defense is nonetheless performing well.

As a result, Glenn is gaining increasing attention as a leading head coaching candidate as the 2025 hiring cycle approaches.

In his analysis of top playoff contenders following Week 11, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell shared some insightful data on the Lions’ defense.

Notably, while generating pressure on the quarterback has been challenging without Hutchinson, Barnwell pointed out other areas where Detroit’s defense has thrived in recent weeks.

Barnwell also highlighted how Glenn has adjusted his defensive schemes since Hutchinson’s injury, deploying coverage and dialing up blitzes in crucial situations.

This tactical flexibility reflects Glenn’s trust in the remaining talent on his roster.

Although Hutchinson’s absence created a tough situation for Glenn, his ability to adapt and continue achieving strong defensive results has turned the spotlight on him as a top head coaching candidate.

With the Lions’ defense finding success under his leadership, Glenn’s resume is growing stronger as the coaching carousel for 2025 looms.