The New Orleans Saints have been identified as one of the top potential head coaching destinations for Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

New Orleans fired coach Dennis Allen after a 2-7 start. They finished with an overall record of 5-12 after replacing Allen with special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi.

Glenn, 52, is one of six candidates that the Saints have conducted official interviews with.

• Joe Brady
• Aaron Glenn
• Mike Kafka
• Kellen Moore
• Darren Rizzi
• Anthony Weaver

Glenn and his top-seeded Detroit Lions were upset by Washington in the Divisional Round on Saturday. The good news is that the Saints and the several other teams interested in Glenn may now conduct in-person interviews with him starting on January 20.

There is also bad news with Glenn’s availability. In the loss, Detroit gave up 45 points and 481 yards of total offense to Washington. Upstart Washington was forced to punt only once as they gathered 27 first downs, averaging 6.7 per play, and converted three of four fourth down attempts.

The Lions allowed 31 points in the first half as Washington rolled up 182 rushing yards for the game, averaging 4.7 per run. Dynamic rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels threw for 299 yards and rushed for another 51 without throwing an interception or getting sacked once.

Certainly, it’s not a good look for either Detroit’s defense or Glenn. It should also be noted that the Lions offense committed five turnovers and also hurt themselves with some questionable play-calling.

Some have suggested that the Detroit loss could even hurt the coaching candidacy of either Glenn or offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

It Shouldn’t.

Certainly, the Lions played poorly against Washington. Such a performance is a reflection on both players and coaches. In Glenn’s case, what he was working with against Washington was like a person playing poker and only allowed three cards in his hand.

The Lions entered this year’s playoffs with 13 players on injured reserve. Nine of those were on the defensive side. Detroit came into their game with Washington with 12 defensive starters or major contributors sidelined by injury.

• Aidan Hutchinson, DE
• Alim McNeill, DT
• Mekhi Wingo, DT
• John Cominsky, DE
• Brodric Martin, DT
• Pat O’Connor, DE
• Derrick Barnes, LB
• Malcolm Rodriguez, LB
• Carlton Davis, CB
• Ennis Rakestraw, CB
• Emmanuel Moseley, CB
• Khalil Dorsey, CB

Additionally, the Lions also lost defensive backs Amik Robertson and Ifeatu Melifonwu to injuries during their loss to Washington.

Most coaches and players will quote a ‘next man up’ mentality when asked about injuries, adding that it’s a part of the game. However, there also comes a time when an injury-riddled team simply runs out of quality players. It’s a scenario we saw play out with the New Orleans Saints offense this season.

The Lions were without a large majority of the above listed injured players for most of this season. Detroit ranked only 20th in total defense and 30th against the pass. However, the Lions ranked fifth against the run and seventh in points allowed.

Detroit held 11 opponents to 20 points or fewer, including playoff teams Los Angeles, Tampa Bay, Green Bay, and Minnesota. Eight times teams playing Detroit were held to fewer than 20 points.

The aggressive Lions defense also forced 24 turnovers and recorded 37 sacks. Their 16 interceptions were the fifth most in the league. Additionally, Detroit was also the NFL’s best defense on third downs and was seventh in red zone percentage.

A case could be made that Aaron Glenn did an outstanding coaching job. Especially given the circumstances of dealing with a depleted unit. A smart team would not be turned away from Glenn after one poor outing, even one in a big game.

DETROIT (FOX 2) – A juvenile was hospitalized after being shot by police during an incident on Friday night.

Detroit police struck the individual twice after he appeared to pull a firearm out after ignoring commands to stop walking.

It happened in the area of Seven Mile and Forrer Street just after 11 p.m., according to the deputy chief.

After observing a group of young men walking down the street, they stopped to investigate a possible curfew violation, Jacqueline Pritchett said. All subjects except for one stopped walking.

“As he was walking down the street, officers saw him fidgeting with his pants,” she said. “They thought they saw a firearm.”

As the individual entered an alley, he appeared to pull out a firearm, leading the pursuing officer to fear for his life and fire two shots.

He struck the individual in the wrist and leg area before being taken to the hospital. His injuries were not life-threatening.

The individual does not have a criminal history. 

An AK-47-style weapon was recovered from the scene and placed into evidence, Pritchett said. 

Associated Press

Detroit Red Wings (21-20-4, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Dallas Stars (28-16-1, in the Central Division)

Dallas; Sunday, 8 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Stars -235, Red Wings +191; over/under is 6

BOTTOM LINE: The Dallas Stars host the Detroit Red Wings after Jason Robertson scored two goals in the Stars’ 6-3 loss to the Colorado Avalanche.

Dallas has a 16-6-1 record in home games and a 28-16-1 record overall. The Stars have a 9-4-0 record in games they convert at least one power play.

Detroit has a 9-9-2 record on the road and a 21-20-4 record overall. The Red Wings have a 3-6-2 record in games they serve more penalty minutes than their opponents.

The teams meet Sunday for the first time this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Roope Hintz has 19 goals and eight assists for the Stars. Robertson has six goals and nine assists over the past 10 games.

Dylan Larkin has 20 goals and 21 assists for the Red Wings. Patrick Kane has six goals and 10 assists over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Stars: 7-3-0, averaging 3.1 goals, 5.5 assists, 2.4 penalties and 4.8 penalty minutes while giving up 2.4 goals per game.

Red Wings: 8-2-0, averaging four goals, 7.4 assists, 2.5 penalties and five penalty minutes while giving up 2.9 goals per game.

INJURIES: Stars: None listed.

Red Wings: None listed.

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.