Lions DC Glenn Responds to Reporter Who Said Defensive Coaches Don’t Win Super Bowls

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 22: Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn of the Detroit Lions reacts during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn wants to remind the NFL of the maxim that “defense wins championships.”

During Glenn’s press conference on Wednesday, a reporter noted that typically, offensive head coaches are the ones who win Super Bowls. However, Glenn—who is a top candidate for a head coaching job—pointed out several examples of defensive head coaches who did win Super Bowls. He then hit back at the reporter’s premise, saying that just because he is a defensive-minded coach does not mean he is not well-acquainted with the offense.

The reporter began the exchange by pointing out former New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick as an example of a defensive coach who won multiple Super Bowls. However, he said that typically it is offensive coaches who win championships.

“I don’t know if that’s truly accurate,” Glenn responded. “I can just go off the top of my head with [former Pittsburgh Steelers HC] Bill Cowher, [current Steelers HC] Mike Tomlin, Bill Belichick, that’s won a ton of Super Bowls as a defensive coach.”

There is some truth to both claims. Since 2010, only 2 head coaches with defensive backgrounds have won Super Bowls: Pete Carroll led the Seattle Seahawks to a 43–8 win over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII, while Belichick defeated Carroll 24–21 in Super Bowl XLIX. Still, a total of seven defensive coaches made appearances in the Big Game between 2010–2024:

• Jim Caldwell as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV in 2010;
• Tomlin in Super Bowl XLV;
• Belichick in Super Bowls XLVI and LII;
• John Fox as head coach of the Broncos in XLVIII;
• Carroll in XLIX;
• Ron Rivera as head coach of the Carolina Panthers in SB50
• Dan Quinn as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons in LI.

However, between 2000 and 2009, four defensive head coaches won six Super Bowls: Belichick won three Super Bowls—XXXVI, XXXVIII, and XXXIX; Cowher won XL; Tony Dungy won XLI as head coach of the Colts; and Tomlin won XLII.

Glenn then responded to the reporter’s question directly.

“Here’s the one thing that I would say about myself: I’m a coach, I just happen to be on defense,” said Glenn. “I understand offense just as well as a number of people. So if you want to hire me, you’re going to hire a coach, you’re not going to hire a defensive coach. I’m going to talk to the offense just as much I’m going to talk to the defense.”

Glenn is considered one of the top candidates for the open head coaching positions around the NFL ahead of the 2025 season, in no small part due to the Lions’ continued success. Despite having 12 defensive players currently on Injured Reserve, the Lions secured the No. 1 seed in the playoffs with a 15–2 record.

Glenn said he has learned much from his interviews over the past several years, but has learned to be more discerning in finding the right fit for him.

“I think you learn a number of things from each year that you go through [the interview process] and you try to improve on those each year,” he said. “I think the one thing that I get out of all these interviews is, man, I’m [going to] be myself, and you like it or you don’t. If you don’t, all good. I keep telling you guys I have a great job here, and if you like it, if it’s an opportunity I think that’s best for me and my family, then we'll take a look at it.”

Glenn said he had “a really good time” going over his options over the Lions’ Wild Card bye, but he is locked in to the team’s upcoming Divisional Round matchup against the Washington Commanders.