Fresh Faces for the Lions: Top 5 Candidates to Succeed Aaron Glenn as Defensive Coordinator”
Aaron Glenn’s departure from the Detroit Lions to become the New York Jets’ head coach was widely anticipated, especially after he successfully managed a season riddled with injuries.
Now, head coach Dan Campbell faces the challenge of replacing both coordinators.
On Monday morning, Campbell hinted at the possibility of these changes.
By that afternoon, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was gone, and within two days, Glenn followed suit.
Back in November, a list of potential candidates to replace Glenn was compiled in case he landed a head coaching role.
However, some top names on that list, like former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen, are no longer viable options.
Allen is reportedly a strong candidate for the Chicago Bears’ defensive coordinator role.
Similarly, ex-Jets head coach Robert Saleh is in contention for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ head coaching job. With those names likely out of reach, it’s time to look at a fresh pool of candidates.
One standout option is Don “Wink” Martindale, highlighted by Christian Booher of SI.com. Martindale’s aggressive, blitz-heavy defensive style closely aligns with the approach Glenn utilized.
His extensive NFL experience, dating back to 2004, includes defensive coordinator stints with the Denver Broncos (2010), Baltimore Ravens (2018–2021), and New York Giants (2022–2023).
Martindale recently interviewed for three NFL defensive coordinator positions—the Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals, and Indianapolis Colts.
However, with all three teams filling their vacancies, he currently lacks other NFL options. This leaves the door open for the Lions to approach him.
Considering his background and style, Martindale appears to be a strong candidate to step into Glenn’s role.
Should he join the Lions, Martindale wouldn’t even need to relocate, making this an appealing opportunity for both sides.
As Campbell works to find the best fit for his team, Martindale’s combination of experience, strategic alignment, and availability makes him a logical choice for Detroit’s next defensive coordinator