The Dallas Cowboys coaching search started on Monday with Deion Sanders, Jason Witten and Kellen Moore immediately popping up in NFL rumors as options to replace Mike McCarthy. Now, a far bigger name seems to be emerging on the Cowboys’ radar.
Dallas finds itself in a tough spot as part of the NFL coaching carousel. Because the franchise waited to part ways with McCarthy until after his contract expired following the Wild Card Round, the team couldn’t interview with some of the top NFL coaching candidates
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It’s part of the reason why the likes of Moore, Witten, Sanders and former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh were first connected to the job. However, as Dallas moves forward with its search, there’s a far more prominent name generating some noise.
According to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has emerged as a “name to watch” in the Cowboys coaching search next week.
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Jones reportedly holds the Lions’ defensive play-caller in high regard. Furthermore, the 52-year-old assistant coach does have some things that the Cowboys’ owner is believed to be factoring into his decision.
Glenn, a Texas native and Texas A&M alum, spent two seasons with the Cowboys as a player (2005-’06) playing for legendary coach Bill Parcells. After his playing career ended in 2008, he became an assistant defensive backs coach with the Cleveland Browns (2014-’15) and then served as the New Orleans Saints’ defensive backs coach (2016-2020).
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During his time in New Orleans, Glenn coached under Sean Payton who is also highly regarded by Jones as he previously served on the Cowboys coaching staff. Glenn is recognized as one of the best defensive minds in the NFL and he is renowned for his leadership and his relationships with players. Given Jones has preferred player-friendly coaches, that could make Glenn an even stronger option for Dallas.