After turning in one of the worst defensive performances in league history this season, the New York Jets are searching for a new defensive coordinator.
New York’s defense failed to record a single interception all year, marking the first time that has happened since the statistic began being tracked. Following the season, the Jets parted ways with Steve Wilks and have begun requesting interviews with potential replacements.
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According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jets have requested permission to interview Minnesota Vikings passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Daronte Jones for their defensive coordinator opening. Jones is also scheduled to interview with the Dallas Cowboys for their defensive coordinator position.
Minnesota’s defense finished among the top three units in the NFL this season, with only Houston and Seattle potentially outperforming them. However, Jones may choose to be patient as he weighs his options, particularly given uncertainty surrounding the Vikings’ defensive staff. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is reportedly a candidate for multiple head coaching vacancies, according to league insiders, which could create an opportunity for Jones to earn a larger role in Minnesota if Flores departs, or he could join Flores’ staff.
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Still, taking interviews elsewhere only strengthens Jones’ profile as a rising defensive coach. His NFL coaching career began with the Miami Dolphins, where he spent two seasons as an assistant defensive backs coach. He then coached the secondary for the Cincinnati Bengals for two years before joining the Vikings as their defensive backs coach in 2020.
After one season in Minnesota, Jones spent a year at LSU before returning to the Vikings’ staff, where he helped oversee one of the league’s most effective defenses. With multiple teams expressing interest, Jones appears positioned as a strong candidate in this year’s defensive coordinator hiring cycle.
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