Aaron Glenn facts for kids

Aaron Devone Glenn (born July 16, 1972) is an American football coach. He used to play as a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). Currently, he is the head coach for the New York Jets.

Before becoming a head coach, Aaron Glenn was the 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. Glenn played for 15 seasons in the NFL. He played for teams like the New York Jets, Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New Orleans Saints. He played college football at Texas A&M University. 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 there. He went to Nimitz High School in Houston, Texas. He was a four-year letterman in football. This means he played on the varsity team for four years.

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

Playing Career Highlights

College Football Journey

Aaron Glenn first went to Navarro College in Texas. As a sophomore, he was named an All-American. He had two interceptions, 60 tackles, and 15 pass deflections.

He then moved to Texas A&M University. He played for the Texas A&M Aggies football team 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, he was a first-team All-American. He had 27 tackles and 13 passes defensed. He also led the country in punt returns. In 2000, he was honored in the Texas A&M Sports Hall of Fame.

Playing in the National Football League

Aaron Glenn was picked by the New York Jets in the first round of the 1994 NFL draft. He was the 12th player chosen overall.

New York Jets (1994–2001)

Glenn played his first eight seasons with the Jets. In 1996, he set a team record. He returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown. This was against the Miami Dolphins. In 2001, he played in 12 games. He had 39 tackles and 12 pass deflections.

Houston Texans (2002–2004)

The Houston Texans picked Glenn in the 2002 NFL expansion draft. He started all 16 games as a cornerback. He made 75 tackles and 5 interceptions. He and his teammate Gary Walker were the first Texans players to make the Pro Bowl. This happened in 2002.

In 2003, he played 11 games. He had 29 tackles and one interception. The next year, he started 16 games. He made 5 interceptions. He was released in 2005.

Dallas Cowboys (2005–2006)

Glenn signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 2005. He reunited with his former coach, Bill Parcells. Even at 33 years old, he played very well. He started 7 games and made 4 interceptions. This led the team.

In 2006, he played in all 16 games. He was mostly used in special defensive plays. He had 20 tackles and one interception. He was released in 2007.

Jacksonville Jaguars (2007)

On September 3, 2007, Glenn signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played in five games. He started four of them.

New Orleans Saints (2008)

Glenn signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2008. He hurt his ankle early in the season. This limited his playing time. He was later placed on the injured reserve list.

Retirement from Playing

After playing for 15 seasons, Aaron Glenn officially retired. On July 28, 2010, he signed a one-day contract. This allowed him to retire as a Houston Texan.

Coaching Career Journey

Houston Stallions (2012)

In 2012, Aaron Glenn became the general manager. He worked for the Houston Stallions. This was an indoor football team in Texas.

New York Jets (2012–2013)

In June 2012, Glenn returned to his old team, the New York Jets. He was hired as a personnel scout.

Cleveland Browns (2014–2015)

On May 18, 2014, Glenn joined the Cleveland Browns. He became the assistant defensive backs coach.

New Orleans Saints (2016–2020)

On January 13, 2016, Glenn was hired by the New Orleans Saints. He served as their secondary coach.

Detroit Lions (2021–2024)

On January 23, 2021, Glenn became the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. He worked under head coach Dan Campbell. In 2023, he signed a new contract with the Lions.

New York Jets (2025–Present)

On January 22, 2025, Aaron Glenn was hired as the new head coach of the New York Jets. This marks his return to the team where he started his NFL playing career.

Personal Life

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

See Also

• List of New York Jets first-round draft picks
• List of New York Jets Pro Bowl selections