The Patriots have put in a request to interview another highly sought-after coordinator for their head coaching vacancy.

New England has requested permission to speak with Detroit’s defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. Because the Lions are still in the postseason, Glenn’s interview would need to be virtual at some point over the next three days. They can’t interview him in person until after his season is over.

Interestingly, the Patriots didn’t request permission to talk to Glenn until Wednesday, while they asked Detroit to talk to his colleague Ben Johnson earlier in the week. At this point, every team with a head coaching opening has asked to interview Glenn, per Breer, and he might not have time to fit them all.

The Patriots interviewed Byron Leftwich and Pep Hamilton in person on Tuesday, and they’re set to talk with Mike Vrabel Thursday and Johnson (virtually) on Friday. Because Leftwich and Hamilton are minority candidates, Robert Kraft satisfied the NFL’s Rooney Rule requirement and can make a hire at any time.

Glenn has served as Dan Campbell’s defensive coordinator since 2021 and boasted the NFL’s 7th best scoring defense this season despite a myriad of injuries. Before arriving in Detroit, Glenn coached defensive backs for the Browns (2014-15) and the Saints (2016-2020).

A Jets first-round pick in 1994, Glenn enjoyed a 15-year NFL career, making the Pro Bowl three times and racking up 41 interceptions and 639 tackles. Two of those Pro Bowl seasons came with Bill Belichick as his defensive coordinator.