"He has the best chance to be the next Dan Campbell": NFL analyst drops eye-popping take on Aaron Glenn as he sets eyes on Jets HC role

NFL analyst Kevin Clark has drawn striking parallels between Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and coach Dan Campbell. His bold assessment arrived as Glenn emerged as the frontrunner for the New York Jets' coaching position.

Clark, an established NFL insider, shared his insights based on personal interactions with Glenn. The comparison carries extra weight through Peter Schrager's revelation about Sean Payton's years of praise for Glenn's coaching prowess.

During ESPN's "This Is Football" show on Wednesday, Clark highlighted Glenn's potential to mirror Campbell's transformative leadership style. His observations align with multiple reports confirming Glenn's anticipated move to the Jets.

"From my limited time with him, I think Aaron Glenn has the best chance to be the next Dan Campbell of anyone in the coaching market," Clark tweeted with a clip from the show.

Glenn's 2024 season with Detroit validates Clark's assessment. His defense ranked No. 20 in yards allowed but excelled in crucial categories: No. 7 in points allowed and No. 5 in rushing yards allowed.

Aaron Glenn's return to New York

NFL: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions - Source: Imagn

The Jets' interest marks a full-circle moment for Aaron Glenn, who entered the NFL as their first-round pick in 1994. His 15-year playing career was spent with five teams before he transitioned to coaching in 2014 with Cleveland.

His coaching journey progressed through New Orleans as defensive backs coach before landing Detroit's defensive coordinator role. Glenn's success caught the attention of multiple teams, including the Saints, Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt reported on Tuesday that Glenn plans to accept the Jets' position "barring anything unexpected." The team has already notified other candidates they're moving in "another direction," according to Connor Hughes.

Glenn's path through adversity mirrors Campbell's resilient approach. His defense overcame early struggles and injuries in Detroit, showcasing his ability to adapt and inspire improvement.

The hire represents more than just a coaching change for the Jets. Glenn's deep ties to the organization — from first-round pick to potential coach — add an emotional layer to this strategic move.

His defensive expertise particularly stands out. While the Lions ranked 30th against the pass in 2024, their top-7 scoring defense demonstrated Glenn's ability to keep points off the board.

As the NFL coaching carousel spins, Glenn's anticipated appointment signals the Jets' commitment to blending experience with innovation. His journey from player to coordinator to coach mirrors Campbell's path, suggesting New York may have found their culture-changing leader for the future.