The Detroit Lions are, too.

That’s why this year seems like the perfect time for Aaron Glenn, the Lions’ defensive coordinator, to finally land a head coaching job.

At 52 years old, Glenn has been overdue for an opportunity. After interviewing for head coaching positions over the last five offseasons, Lions head coach Dan Campbell put it bluntly: “The thought of going through another cycle and he’s not somebody’s head coach is ridiculous.”

Campbell’s opinion is widely shared in Allen Park, where Glenn’s fiery competitive streak, tough love, and authenticity have made him a beloved figure. Now, with Glenn’s efforts translating into visible success, it’s no surprise NFL owners and executives view the Lions—a franchise once synonymous with losing—as a model for success. It helps that Detroit has gone from a 3-13-1 record in 2021 to securing back-to-back NFC North titles and earning the NFC’s No. 1 seed.

Quantifying Glenn’s impact on the Lions’ defense since he joined Campbell in 2021 is trickier. But consider this: Detroit ranked 31st and 30th in scoring defense during Glenn’s first two seasons with a depleted roster, yet climbed to 23rd last year and finished this season at seventh, despite losing several starters and key backups to injuries.

Still, Glenn has learned through his interviews that he doesn’t need to sell himself. His approach is simple: “I’m going to be myself. Either you’ll like it or you don’t. If you don’t, all good. I have a great job here. If it’s an opportunity that’s best for me and my family, we’ll take a look at it.”

This year, that opportunity seems likely. Glenn interviewed for five head-coaching vacancies last week: Chicago, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and the New York Jets. He declined to meet with New England, stating, “It just wasn’t the best situation for me,” likely because the Patriots’ job was destined for Mike Vrabel, who was officially hired Sunday.

Glenn is considered a frontrunner in New Orleans, where he worked for five years alongside Campbell on Sean Payton’s staff. He’s also a strong candidate in New York, where he spent the first eight years of his playing career as a Pro Bowl cornerback with the Jets.

Meanwhile, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson remains in high demand, having interviewed with four teams this offseason: Chicago, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, and New England. Despite their overlapping interviews, neither Glenn nor Johnson felt the need to compare notes, focusing instead on Saturday’s playoff opener against Washington.

Still, Johnson strongly endorses Glenn for a head coaching role. “I think I told you guys this last year—he is beyond qualified right now,” said Johnson. “He is more prepared to be a head coach than maybe anybody I’ve ever met. He wants it, and I think he’d do a phenomenal job.”

Veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone, the Lions’ defensive captain, shares that sentiment. Having followed Glenn and Campbell from New Orleans to Detroit in 2021, Anzalone calls Glenn “a hell of a coach, hell of a teacher, hell of a person.” He adds, “Every leadership quality that Dan gets credit for, I think A.G. has that in him as well. It’s just a matter of time, and I think it’s going to be this year.”

If Glenn lands a head coaching job, the big question is who he’ll bring with him to build his staff. Campbell likely has plans in place, whether it’s an external hire or someone internal, like linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard. Glenn said, “(Sheppard) has been there from the beginning, and he knows exactly how I think. I’ve been mentoring him for the DC role. I think he’s damn near close, if not there, to being ready.”

Johnson has also likely considered which Lions staff members he’d recruit if he moves on. Offensive line coach Hank Fraley could be a logical pick as Johnson’s offensive coordinator. However, those decisions will come after the Super Bowl.

“Those are things you think about in the offseason,” Glenn said. “During the season, you’re locked in. Once interviews start, you revisit those conversations and think, ‘Is this someone I can win a Super Bowl with?’ That’s always my perspective.”

Regardless of what happens, both coordinators have learned that staying true to themselves is key to replicating their success.

“Everybody’s authentic here,” Johnson said. “Our players see it, and they buy in because they know it’s genuine.”

And Glenn’s leadership philosophy? “It’s really one word: influence,” he said. “Everyone I meet, I want to influence positively. I don’t take that for granted.”

If another franchise recognizes that, Glenn will carry that mindset wherever he goes.