Bears HC candidate profile: Is Aaron Glenn just as good a fit as Ben Johnson?

The long and wide search that is underway to find the next head coach of the Chicago Bears has had two common themes: Wanting a leader in the locker room and an offensive mind to grow Caleb Williams. The team success is hindered on the play, growth, and development of Williams. But for morale, long-term sustainability, and a much-needed change inside the organization, the Bears need a head coach who can lead the entire team.

When it comes to a job well done coaching in the NFL this year, the Bears can look up at the top team in their division (and NFC): the Detroit Lions. Whether it be head coach Dan Campbell, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, or defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, the Lions have three premier coaches all doing a remarkable job this season.

Glenn, who lost star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson to a broken leg back in Week 6 of the season and has seen multiple defensive players be lost several weeks or the entire season, has persevered through it all. One of the top names in almost every coaching vacancy, Glenn is known for his relentless style, leadership, and incredible talent to coach.

Here's a look at one of the best assistant coaches in the league, who is certainly going to have his fair share of opportunities to land a head coaching job, including with the Bears.

Background

• Current job: Defensive coordinator, Detroit Lions

• Age: 52

• Hometown: Humble, Texas

• College: Texas A&M

Experience

• Defensive coordinator, Detroit Lions (2021-Present)

• Defensive backs coach, New Orleans Saints (2016-2020)

• Assistant defensive backs coach, Cleveland Browns (2014-2015)

• Personnel scout, New York Jets (2012-2013)

• General Manager, Houston Stallions (2012)

• Played for New Orleans Saints (2008)

• Played for Jacksonville Jaguars (2007)

• Played for Dallas Cowboys (2005-2006)

• Played for Houston Texans (2002-2004)

• Played for New York Jets (1994-2001)

Fit with Bears

Getting right to the point, Glenn is the kind of coach who makes as much of an impact off the field, in the locker room, as he would on the field with the team. Glenn is vocal, he's loud, and he's not afraid to get competitive even against his own team's offense. When the Lions were featured on HBO's "Hard Knocks" back in 2022, Glenn was featured plenty getting into competition with offensive coaches, and challenging not only his defensive unit, but the offense as well. Loud, brash, and challenging, those are qualities that are completely opposite from former head coach Matt Eberflus, who had a very reserved personality, but it's also exactly what is needed in Chicago.

As previously mentioned, Glenn has been hit hard with injuries on Detroit's defensive unit this season, but still, the success has been there. While they struggled most of the season with passing defense, ranking 30th in that statistic, they ranked fifth in rushing defense this season.

Glenn would not only be a perfect fit to get the defense back on track, but he'd be able to get the most out of all the players on a growing Chicago defense. His persona is not only wanted in the Bears locker room and organization, but it is craved for, by the fans, the players, and management. Glenn has been seen embracing quarterback Caleb Williams after the two meetings this season between their respective teams, and if he could find the right offensive staff to build with, Glenn could be just as good of a fit as anyone.

They said it....

"Aaron Glenn is -- he's as good a coach as you're going to find, he's an even better human being. Look, if nobody wants him, I'll take him again. I can tell you that right now. The thought of going through another cycle and he's not somebody's head coach is ridiculous. I mean this guy is as good as they come, and he can do it all. He understands how to manage a game, he understands offense, defense, special teams, he knows how to communicate, he understands discipline of players and he's motivating, he's inspiring."

-- Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell praising the job of Aaron Glenn and that it would be ridiculous if he was not hired to be head coach this offseason. (Via NFL.com)

Bottom line

Glenn should be just as coveted as names like Ben Johnson and Mike Vrabel, with this season putting him among elite available coaches. Glenn is just that, elite. Whether it be for getting the most out of his defense no matter who is in due to injury, or challenging his fellow offensive coaches to try and beat him, or the brashness to fire up his unit, Glenn excels at it all.

Like any of the aforementioned candidates who don't excel on the offensive side of the ball, Glenn will have to do his due diligence in finding the right coaches to pair with Williams. He may not be as highly discussed as the Vrabel or Johnson, but he's just as highly respected by the players he has playing for, and the offenses he's going up against.

Glenn is a culture changer and someone who would restore the legacy and history of a Bears franchise known for their forceful defense. He would be much more than just a defensive stalwart, he'd be embraced by the city of Chicago, the Bears fanbase, and might even make an enemy or two in the media. Beyond familiar with the NFC North division, Glenn would bring plenty of intrigue to the Bears.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears HC candidate: Is Aaron Glenn as good a fit as Ben Johnson?