NFL Rumors: Lions' Aaron Glenn 'A Frequent Name' Linked to Saints' HC Opening

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has been "a frequent name mentioned" in connection with the New Orleans Saints head coaching gig, per Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

"The feeling in league circles is that general manager Mickey Loomis will lean towards someone he knows, with Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn -- who narrowly lost out to Allen last time around -- a frequent name mentioned," Pelissero and Rapoport wrote.

"Interim coach Darren Rizzi is beloved in the building and expected to be a candidate, especially with the way a locker room decimated by injuries has continued to fight for him. Mike McCarthy and Bills OC Joe Brady have Saints roots, too. But the team is looking into all the top candidates."

Glenn was an NFL cornerback for 15 NFL seasons (1994-2008), with his final campaign coming with the Saints. The 52-year-old Glenn has been an NFL coach since 2014, including a stop with the Saints as their defensive backs coach from 2016-2020. He then moved on to the Lions' DC job under head coach Dan Campbell.

It's no surprise that Glenn is a candidate in New Orleans given his Saints roots and his success as the Lions' defensive coordinator.

The Lions are seventh in scoring defense this year despite suffering a litany of injuries on that side of the ball—most notably superstar edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson being lost for the regular season in Week 6 with a broken tibia and fibula.

Other Lions on injured reserve include linebackers Alex Anzalone and Malcolm Rodriguez, cornerback Carlton Davis and defensive lineman Alim McNeill.

Detroit is 13-2 and in control of its destiny for the NFC's No. 1 seed and home-field advantage through the conference's postseason. Glenn, naturally, should be a highly sought-after head coaching candidate.

Of course, there should be other names in the mix, as NFL Network mentioned current interim coach Darren Rizzi and Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady as possibilities. Rapoport and Pelissero also discussed current Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, whose contract with his current team runs out after this year.

Ultimately, Glenn and the Saints make sense given his success and the connection to the team, but for now, he's trying to guide the Lions to the No. 1 seed and a potential Super Bowl run.