Dan Campbell knows exactly what Aaron Glenn brings to a football team. Glenn served as Campbell's defensive coordinator from 2021 through 2024, helping transform the Lions into one of the NFC's strongest teams before leaving for his first head-coaching opportunity with the Jets.

The transition has not been easy for Glenn. The Jets went 3-14 during his first season, but the organization has continued backing its head coach as he tries to establish a new culture. New York entered 2026 showing progress, winning its opener before falling to Green Bay in overtime.

That made Sunday's return to Detroit particularly meaningful. The Jets ultimately fell 31-24, despite fighting back from a 14-point deficit to tie the game in the fourth quarter. Glenn's defense then allowed Detroit to produce the winning touchdown drive, but Campbell still made sure to recognize the job his former coordinator has done.

“I know for him, that’s a hard loss. But there’s also gotta be a sense of pride in how your guys played. That’s a young team, that’s up and coming, and those guys took on his demeanor.”

Campbell's praise went beyond the result. He saw a young Jets team playing with the toughness and identity Glenn wants, making the loss easier to accept despite the final score.

Dan Campbell and the Lions Survived a Major Jets Challenge

The Lions needed every bit of their offense to escape Glenn's Jets. Detroit led by two scores, watched New York fight all the way back, then answered with a late touchdown to secure the 31-24 victory.

Jared Goff completed all 10 of his second-half passes, while Jahmyr Gibbs delivered two touchdowns after halftime. Detroit's offense ultimately made the difference in a game that tested the Lions throughout.

For Campbell, beating his former coordinator mattered, but so did seeing Glenn's influence remain obvious. The Lions got the win, yet Campbell clearly believes Glenn's Jets are heading in the right direction.

Written by

Joseph Nithin