The Jacksonville Jaguars will be wrapping up their 10th interview on Saturday for their head coaching opening with Buffalo Bills’ offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
So, things can still certainly change, but with the first round of interviews nearly complete, there are two candidates in particular that have stood out in the early going–and it shouldn’t come as a surprise who they are.
According to Ian Rapoport on Saturday, Lions’ offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Lions’ defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as names to watch.
“A couple of names to watch, though. I would say Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson, both considered to be very high up as far as where the Jaguars go and what they like,” Rapoport said.
Both coordinators are responsible for orchestrating two of the top units on their respective sides of the football this season.
The Lions’ offense under Johnson led the NFL in scoring during the regular season, but also impressive–going beyond the points and yards that Detroit puts up–has been Johnson’s creativity in constructing weekly game-plans and his ability to leverage the skill sets on that roster.
Glenn, meanwhile, led the Lions to a top 10 scoring defense in 2024, despite that side of the ball dealing with numerous injuries to key players.
These two are going to be the top candidates for many of the teams searching for head coaching openings.
The second round of interviews for the Jaguars and their head coaching opening will begin next week, but depending on how far the Lions’ go in the playoffs, a decision may not be on the horizon, with Johnson and Glenn limited in when they can interview.
Rapoport would also note that, unlike in previous years when the Jaguars were searching for a head coach and interviewed anyone and everyone, this year’s search concise.
“Usually, it’s a big, expansive list for Jacksonville,” Rapoport added. “Guys this time, it is not. Much more targeted. Still several top candidates for what should be a really, really attractive job.”
