Recent Jets and Patriots hirings have resulted in five NFL teams now being led by coaches who once donned their uniforms as players. This unique trend highlights a growing connection between former athletes and their respective franchises.
For Aaron Glenn, the choice was clear when the New York Jets’ head-coaching position opened up.
Having made his mark as a first-round draft pick and a key defensive player for the Jets, Glenn is now set to guide the team from the sidelines after considering opportunities with three other franchises.
“Listen, I wanted this job,” Glenn expressed during his introductory press conference. “I interviewed for a number of them, but I wanted this job.”
The NFL landscape has shifted with Glenn’s hiring alongside Mike Vrabel at the New England Patriots. This brings the total to five coaches who have returned to lead teams they once played for, joining notable figures like Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions, DeMeco Ryans of the Houston Texans, and Jim Harbaugh of the Los Angeles Chargers.
“This is where I started,” Glenn remarked, reflecting on his journey. “You can’t script a better story than this because it has been my foundation in various roles: as a player, a scout, and now as a head coach. I hope this will be my final stop.”
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Vrabel, who played a pivotal role in the Patriots’ three Super Bowl victories, shared a similar sentiment upon his return to New England as head coach. He noted, “In the end, it was clear to me and my family and my soul that this is the place I wanted to be.”
Aaron Glenn, Jets
Coached for Jets: Just hired.
Played for Jets: 1994-2001.
Stats with Jets: 121 games, 24 interceptions, 5 forced fumbles, 6 fumble recoveries, 2 Pro Bowl selections.
Other teams played for: Texans (2002-04), Cowboys (2005-06), Jaguars (2007), Saints (2008).
Coaching path: Lone Star Football League’s Houston Stallions (GM, 2012), Jets (personnel scout, 2012-13), Browns (assistant defensive backs coach, 2014-15), Saints (defensive backs coach, 2016-2020), Lions (defensive coordinator, 2021-24).
Mike Vrabel, Patriots
Coached for Patriots: Just hired.
Played for Patriots: 2001-08.
Stats with Patriots: 125 games, 48 sacks, 34 passes defensed, 1 interception, 13 forced fumbles, 5 fumble recoveries, 1 All-Pro selection, 1 Pro Bowl selection, 3 Super Bowl wins, Patriots Hall of Fame.
Other teams played for: Steelers (1997-2000), Chiefs (2009-10).
Coaching path: Ohio State (linebackers coach, 2011; defensive line coach, 2012-13); Texans (linebackers coach, 2014-16; defensive coordinator, 2017); Titans (head coach, 2018-2023); Browns (coaching and personnel consultant, 2024).
Dan Campbell, Lions
Coached for Lions: Since 2021 (39-28-1 regular season, 2-2 playoffs).
Played for Lions: 2006-08.
Stats with Lions: 19 games, 23 receptions, 330 yards receiving, 4 touchdowns.
Other teams played for: Giants (1999-2002), Cowboys (2003-05), Saints (2009).
Coaching path: Dolphins (coaching intern, 2010; tight ends coach, 2011-15; interim head coach, 2015); Saints (assistant head coach/tight ends coach, 2016-2020).
DeMeco Ryans, Texans
Coached for Texans: Since 2023 (20-14 regular season, 2-2 playoffs).
Played for Texans: 2006-2011.
Stats with Texans: 86 games, 8.5 sacks, 7 interceptions, 7 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries, 2 Pro Bowl selections, AP Defensive Rookie of the Year (2006).
Other teams played for: Eagles (2013-15).
Coaching path: 49ers (defensive quality control coach, 2017; inside linebackers coach, 2018-20; defensive coordinator, 2021-22).
Jim Harbaugh, Chargers
Coached for Chargers: Since 2024 (11-6 regular season, 0-1 playoffs).
Played for Chargers: 1999-2000.
Stats with Chargers: 21 games, 16 starts, 18 touchdown passes, 4,177 passing yards, 24 interceptions, 150 rushing yards.
Other teams played for: Bears (1987-93), Colts (1994-97), Ravens (1998), Lions (preseason, 2001), Panthers (dressed for 6 games but didn’t play, 2001).
Coaching path: Western Kentucky (offensive consultant, 1994-2001); Raiders (quarterbacks coach, 2002-03); Chargers (head coach, 2004-06); Stanford (head coach, 2007-10); 49ers (head coach, 2011-14); Michigan (head coach, 2015-23).
