Why Lions DC Aaron Glenn was voted the No. 1 coordinator in the NFL by his players

ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions have two of the most-liked coordinators in the league, neither of whom is named Ben Johnson.

The NFL Players Association polled more than 1,600 players this season, asking them to rank their coordinators on a 1-10 scale. Dave Fipp ranked fourth among special teams coordinators, while Aaron Glenn was No. 1 among defensive coordinators in the league.

According to NFLPA chief J.C. Tretter, his overall score ranked No. 1 among all coordinators, period.

“Not to be cliche or simple about it, but he’s a players’ coach,” defensive tackle Alim McNeill told MLive. “He played the game, he’s literally sat in these seats in the locker room. I really believe that’s why (he’s so well-liked), just the relationship he’s able to have with us as players. We know his goal. We all have the same goal in mind. We’re trying to get a ring. We’re trying to win it all. And if that’s not what’s on your mind, in AG’s words, then you can go. And that’s our mentality. That’s why we’re all bought in together. That’s his mentality, and that’s why we love him. Because he’s all about winning and getting the job done. And he’s really cool off the field when it’s time to be cool. He’s AG, man.”

Glenn has been an occasional lightning rod for public criticism during his run as defensive coordinator in Detroit, due mostly to some tough numbers early on. The Lions ranked 31st in scoring defense in Glenn’s first year in 2021, then improved marginally to 29th last season.

But Glenn also inherited a defense that was bereft of top-end talent three years ago, then watched the Lions pour most of their premium resources into the offense since. And two of the biggest defensive free-agent signings of this era — safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and cornerback Emmanuel Moseley — have played a combined three games because of injuries.

But inside league circles, Glenn is considered an elite leader who has continued to draw interest as a potential head coach despite the numbers. He’s interviewed for five vacancies over the last two hiring cycles, including with the Arizona Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts last offseason. He’s expected to draw more interest this month, and improving numbers — plus the obvious respect of his players — should help his case.

That’s especially true in the running game, where the Lions rank No. 5 in the league heading into the finale against Minnesota. The pass defense continues to lag behind, ranking 25th, as the Lions battle talent issues at pass rusher and cornerback, while losing guys like Moseley, Gardner-Johnson and pass rusher James Houston to long-term injuries.

But Glenn has pushed a lot of right buttons to right the ship in recent weeks, most notably promoting little-used safety Ifeatu Melifonwu to the starting lineup. Now Melifonwu has contributed two big interceptions in the last month — including one at the goal line that sealed the division championship against Minnesota — and racked up three sacks. Khalil Dorsey and Kindle Vindors have also been upgrades after replacing Jerry Jacobs at cornerback.

Players say Glenn’s scheme and player development have fueled the late-season surge, which includes allowing just 20 points in Dallas last week, a place where the Cowboys have averaged more than 40 points per game this season.

“I think just his receptiveness, how he leads, who he is as a person, and also just the quality of coaching,” said linebacker Alex Anzalone, who has been with Glenn since their days in New Orleans. “I think it’s top tier. He’s just a really good leader of men, and it’s cool to see him get recognized for it. I’m glad the PA did (the poll), because it’s something that needs to be known.

“I don’t think 2021, we were necessarily up to par personnel-wise. That’s just part of the rebuild. And even last year, I think we were missing a lot of pieces. This year obviously we’re not perfect, but we have a pretty good record defensively and we’ve shown up in some big ways defensively, and at times carried the load of the team, able to get some wins, and now peaking at the right time. It’s definitely a credit to him and what he schemes up, on top of the leadership.”

McNeill is enjoying a career season this year, racking up five sacks — second most on the team, and the most by a Lions interior defender since the Ndamukong Suh era. He credits Glenn for his breakthrough season, while acknowledging Glenn’s experience as an NFL cornerback allows the coordinator to connect with his locker room and take care of players in a unique way.

“Oh 100%, the whole thing,” McNeill said. “Just allowing me to play in space, getting me one-on-one opportunities, stunting me a lot. He’s the whole thing. I wouldn’t be in this position without AG at all. Simple as that. Obviously I worked on my body (to lose weight) and stuff like that so I could do that for him. I’ve always seen myself as being the guy, and not just someone in the league. I didn’t like how that went my first two years. I couldn’t move the way I wanted, be the player I knew I could be. So I had to go get right. And when I did that, that allowed AG to put me in different situations. He didn’t want a 335-pound nose tackle pass rushing one-on-one. But 310 or 315, he put me in those positions and allowed me to eat. But 100%, all AG for sure, because I wouldn’t be in those positions without him.”