New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn left an imprint on many players with the Detroit Lions during his time as the team’s defensive coordinator. That imprint wasn’t just on defensive players either.
Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams shared with reporters Thursday how much Glenn meant to his personal growth and career. But Williams also made clear that there’s one thing on the field that he’s looking forward to most with the coach’s return to Detroit.
“I’m looking forward to most, you know, beating him, winning,” said Williams with a slight smile.
Glenn will face the Lions for the first time since he departed to become Jets head coach in January 2025.
Jameson Williams Speaks out on Former Lions DC Aaron Glenn
Glenn was head coach Dan Campbell’s first defensive coordinator in Detroit from 2021-24. The Lions selected Williams at No. 12 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.
As Detroit sports fans surely remember, Williams experienced maturity issues early in his NFL career. Most notably, the NFL suspended the receiver four games in 2023 for violating the league’s gambling policy. The league also suspended Williams two contests in 2024 for performance-enhancing substances.
Williams has stirred controversy off the field with a July Fourth 2023 fireworks and 2024 concealed weapon incident.
The receiver didn’t revisit any specific situations from his past Thursday. But he shared Glenn helped him.
“I remember a lot. He was with me through times when I was down,” said Williams. “I would go talk to him about it. He’s a great person, great coach also. I know we’re going into a challenge this week for sure.
“It means a lot. Some people can relate to others and some can’t. It means a lot when you can relate to a coach outside of football or outside of off the field.”
While Williams is off to a slow start this season, he was one of Detroit’s most important offensive playmakers the past two seasons. The wideout posted at least 1,000 receiving yards with a yards per catch average greater than 17 in 2024 and 2025.
While coaching Williams from afar, Glenn indirectly helped the receiver with that development.
Glenn Set for Return to Detroit in Week 3
Glenn’s Jets defense versus the high-scoring Lions offense will be one of the more underrated matchups of Week 3. Glenn is 4-15 as New York’s head coach, but he has the Jets defense playing hard early this season.
In fact, no team has allowed fewer yards than the Jets through two weeks this year.
Over the first two weeks, Williams has posted just six catches for 78 yards. Getting him more involved will be important for the Lions.
Williams breaking out versus Glenn would be perfect timing. It would go a long way in the receiver earning what he looks forward to most versus the former Lions coach — a win.
Lions’ Jameson Williams Delivers Blunt Remark on Facing Ex-Detroit DC Aaron Glenn