Aaron Glenn facts for kids

Aaron Devone Glenn (born July 16, 1972) is an American football coach. He is currently the head coach for the New York Jets in the National Football League (NFL). Before becoming a head coach, he was a defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions from 2021 to 2024. He also coached defensive backs for the New Orleans Saints and was an assistant coach for the Cleveland Browns.

Aaron Glenn played 15 seasons in the NFL as a cornerback. He played for several teams, including the New York Jets, Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New Orleans Saints. He played college football at Texas A&M. His younger brother, Jason Glenn, also played in the NFL.

Early Life and High School Football

Aaron Glenn was born in Humble, Texas. He started playing youth football in his hometown. He went to Nimitz High School in Houston, Texas. There, he was a four-year letterman for the Nimitz Cougars high school football team.

In his senior year, he ran for over 1,000 yards and caught passes for over 200 yards. He also made 7 interceptions as a defensive player. Besides football, he was also a letterman in basketball and track.

Playing Career Highlights

Aaron Glenn had a successful career playing football in college and then professionally in the NFL.

College Football Journey

Glenn first committed to play college football for the Purdue Boilermakers in 1990. However, he first attended Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas. As a sophomore there, he earned All-Conference and Junior College All-America honors. He recorded two interceptions, 60 tackles, and 15 pass deflections.

After Navarro College, Glenn transferred to Texas A&M University. He played for the Aggies in 1992 and 1993. In 1992, he was named the Southwest Conference (SWC) Newcomer of the Year. He was also a first-team All-Southwest Conference player.

In 1993, his senior year, he had 27 tackles and broke up 13 passes. He also led the nation in punt returns, averaging 19.2 yards per return. He was again a first-team All-SWC selection and was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American. In 2000, he was honored by being inducted into the Texas A&M Sports Hall of Fame.

Playing in the National Football League

Aaron Glenn was a top player coming out of college.

New York Jets Years

The New York Jets picked Aaron Glenn in the first round of the 1994 NFL draft. He was the 12th player chosen overall. He played his first eight seasons with the Jets, from 1994 to 2001. In 1996, he set a team record for the longest interception return. He ran back an interception 100 yards for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins. In 2001, he led the team with 14 pass deflections.

Houston Texans Experience

The Houston Texans chose Glenn in the 2002 NFL expansion draft. He started all 16 games as a left cornerback. He made 75 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 16 pass deflections. He also had one sack. In 2002, he and teammate Gary Walker became the first Texans players to be selected for the NFL Pro Bowl.

In 2004, he started all 16 games again, making 5 interceptions and 14 pass deflections. He was released by the Texans in April 2005.

Dallas Cowboys Chapter

Glenn signed with the Dallas Cowboys before the 2005 season. This reunited him with Bill Parcells, who had been his head coach with the New York Jets. Even at 33 years old, he played very well. He started 7 games and recorded 4 interceptions, leading the team. In 2006, he played in 16 games, mostly in the nickel defense role, and had one interception. He was released by the Cowboys in September 2007.

Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints

On September 3, 2007, Glenn signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played in five games for them. He then signed with the New Orleans Saints on April 7, 2008. He injured his ankle early in the season, which limited his playing time.

Retirement from Playing

After playing for five different NFL teams, Aaron Glenn officially retired. On July 28, 2010, he signed a special one-day contract with the Houston Texans. This allowed him to retire as a member of the Texans team.

NFL Career Statistics

Coaching Career Journey

After retiring as a player, Aaron Glenn began a new career as a football coach.

Early Coaching Roles

In 2012, Glenn became the general manager for the Houston Stallions. This was an indoor football team in Texas. Later that year, he was hired by his former team, the New York Jets, as a personnel scout. In May 2014, he joined the Cleveland Browns as an assistant defensive backs coach.

New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions

On January 13, 2016, Glenn became the secondary coach for the New Orleans Saints. He worked with the Saints until 2020. Then, on January 23, 2021, he was hired by the Detroit Lions as their defensive coordinator. He worked under head coach Dan Campbell.

In February 2023, Glenn signed a new contract with the Lions. He helped lead the Lions' defense to be one of the best in the NFL. In the 2023 season, his defense allowed the second-fewest rushing yards in the league. In the 2024 season, his defensive unit was tied for second in the NFL for allowing the fewest passing touchdowns.

Becoming Head Coach of the New York Jets

On January 22, 2025, Aaron Glenn was hired as the head coach of the New York Jets. This was a big step in his coaching career, returning to a team he once played for.

Head Coaching Record

Personal Life

Aaron Glenn married his college sweetheart, Devaney Glenn, in 1994. They have three children together: two daughters and one son.