For far too long, the Detroit Lions have been searching for answers on the defensive side of the ball. From the days of the "Silver Rush" led by the likes of Cory Redding and Ndamukong Suh, the Lions have struggled to field a consistent and dominant defense. But all of that could change with the arrival of Aaron Glenn in 2021.
Glenn, the former head coach at NCAA Division II Jackson State, brings a wealth of NFL experience to Detroit, having served as a defensive back with several teams, including the New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Dallas Cowboys. He also spent time as the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints and most recently as the defensive backs coach for the Cleveland Browns.
Glenn's impact on the Lions defense has been immediate and profound. In his first season as defensive coordinator, the Lions ranked 15th in the NFL in total defense and 12th in points allowed per game. This is a significant improvement over the previous season, when the Lions ranked 29th and 31st in those categories, respectively.
One of the key reasons for the Lions' defensive improvement under Glenn is his ability to get the most out of his players. He has developed a reputation as a master motivator, and his players have responded with outstanding performances on the field. For example, cornerback Amani Oruwariye has blossomed into one of the best young cover corners in the NFL under Glenn's tutelage.
Glenn's defensive scheme is also a big reason for the Lions' success. He employs a multiple-front scheme that keeps offenses guessing, and he is not afraid to blitz. This aggressive approach has helped the Lions generate more turnovers and sacks.
While the Lions still have some work to do on the defensive side of the ball, there is no doubt that they are headed in the right direction under Glenn. His leadership, motivation, and scheme have already made a major difference, and the Lions are poised to become one of the most feared defenses in the NFL in the years to come.