Colts to host Aaron Glenn for second head coach interview, making 8 finalists
The Colts' search for a head coach has advanced to the Elite Eight stage.
Indianapolis is hosting a second interview with Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn on Thursday, CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reported. Glenn is the eighth candidate to advance to the finalist stage.
Glenn, 50, is in his second season coordinating the Lions defense and his ninth season of NFL coaching overall. He played 15 years in the league as a cornerback, reaching three Pro Bowls as a first-round draft pick.
He took over a Lions defense in a major roster rebuild and scheme change following Matt Patricia's departure. The results have come slow, as his unit finished 28th by Football Outsiders' DVOA metric for efficiency last season. But a young unit did show progress last season as the Lions climbed out of a 1-6 hole to finish 9-8.
Glenn is still developing his scheme but is known as a leader, a reputation he's held as a player and coach.
He joins a crowded finalist group for the Colts job that consists of interim coach Jeff Saturday, Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen, Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and Raiders special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia. All of their seasons are over except for Steichen, who is preparing for the Super Bowl.
The Colts are one of two teams still searching for a head coach, with the Cardinals being the other. The Panthers hired former Colts coach Frank Reich, the Broncos hired former Saints coach Sean Payton and the Texans hired 49ers defensive coordinator Demeco Ryans.
Indianapolis promised a thorough search and is making sure to follow through.
"We’ve got a very detailed process put together on the traits and attributes we’re looking for in the head coach," general manager Chris Ballard said. "Don’t care which side of the ball. And then to be patient and take your time and make sure we have a thorough interview with everybody. Consistent, thorough. I don’t care if it takes until mid-February to hire the head coach. It’s about getting it right.”
Contact Colts insider Nate Atkins at natkins@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @NateAtkins_.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts to host Aaron Glenn for second head coach interview
