Dan Campbell's And Aaron Glenn's Success Gives Saints Fans Someone To Cheer For In The NFL Playoffs

Saints fans may not have their team in the postseason, but two former assistant coaches may give them someone to root for in the 2024 NFL playoffs.

Quite a few decisions eventually haunt NFL front-office executives, coaches, and their franchises' futures. Yet, in the case of former New Orleans Saints assistants Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn, the decision to let them go and find success in Detroit should be applauded by the Saints and Who Dats.

After two consecutive 7-9 seasons, Sean Payton Saints made two hires for the New Orleans Saints that would eventually propel the Detroit Lions into a playoff-winning team.   

Jan 14, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn on the sideline during the second half of a 2024 NFC wild card game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

2016 was the year Sean Payton hired two former NFL players, Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn. The men were garnering praise across the NFL as assistant coaches who were very good at developing and bringing out the best in players.

The story of Dan Campbell was a redemptive one. The former Saints tight end sat on injured reserve during New Orleans' Super Bowl 44 run and reportedly didn't earn a ring in the process.  

Many NFL fans know Aaron Glenn for his intelligent and tough play as one of the league's top cornerbacks who ended his career with the Saints in 2008. He joined the New Orleans staff as the defensive backs coach after two seasons with the Cleveland Browns as an assistant secondary coach.

The two hires helped stabilize an underachieving New Orleans Saints team and forged a bond between two assistant coaches who would later transform the Detroit Lions franchise.

After further review, New Orleans Saints fans wonder why and how Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis allowed Campbell and Glenn to leave the building on Airline Drive. Neither could afford to keep sitting as assistants. It was time for them to grow professionally. Payton was still the head coach, and Dennis Allen ran the team's defense in New Orleans. 

CJ Gardner-Johnson / © Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

CJ Gardner-Johnson / Jan 14, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (2) celebrates after a 2024 NFC wild card game against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Anzalone / New Orleans Saints middle linebacker Alex Anzalone (47) reacts in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Anzalone :: Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone wave at fans during warmups before the NFC wild-card game at Ford Field on Sunday, Jan, 14, 2024. Credit: © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Detroit opening - daunting and inevitable as it was - was the opportunity Campbell awaited. Today, his "biting kneecaps" first press conference will live as legendary for Detroit Lions fans but haunts the Who Dat Nation.

One of Campbell's first moves as the Lions head coach was to install Aaron Glenn as his defensive coordinator. While the Lions' defense isn't perfect, they're as ferocious as the mascot resting on their helmets. 

In the coming weeks, Dennis Allen and Mickey Loomis will make critical decisions regarding the coaching staff. Improvements should be made at every phase, but would personnel moves be significant, as fans hope? Or, could they allow an assistant or two to find greener pastures elsewhere in the NFL? 

Assistant coach Joel Thomas reportedly interviewed for the New York Giants running backs coach position this weekend. An interview that could signal changes is on the horizon within the Saints' coaching ranks.

Regarding Campbell and Glenn, kudos for their historic franchise win over the Los Angeles Rams in the 2024 NFC Wild Card round.  The victory snapped a 32-year playoff win drought for Detroit.  Should the Lions go deeper in the playoffs, it will be a testament to Sean Payton and New Orleans for developing playoff-caliber coaches.  

Although the Saints fans may not feel immediate satisfaction, they can find consolation in rooting for Dan Campbell, Aaron Glenn, Alex Anzalone, and CJ Gardner-Johnson as once one of their own.