Eight names have been interviewed for the New York Jets defensive coordinator position. They range from positional assistants to former play-callers to hot commodities around the league.

Each candidate brings a different experience into these interviews. It’s up to head coach Aaron Glenn to determine which person is the best possible leader for his much-maligned unit.

As the Jets continue to break down who to select for potential second-round interviews, we have one thought for each candidate that fans should keep in mind going forward…

Matt Araujo: Players matter

When Matt Araujo’s name was first announced, most Jets fans weren’t thrilled. The former Miami Dolphins defensive backs coach didn’t have the best season overall.

But players matter in this league.

Miami’s top cornerback duo consisted of Storm Duck and Rasul Douglas (later in the year). Yet despite the lack of talent, Miami’s defense got better later in the year. That is a testament to Araujo’s work in making the group competent.

He shouldn’t be an automatic throwaway for DC consideration.

Ephraim Banda: Don’t underestimate the Browns

Jim Schwartz had the Cleveland Browns’ defense ranked among the most feared in the league. Much of that credit goes to Myles Garrett and their defensive line.

The work Ephraim Banda did in the secondary, particularly at the safety position, cannot be overlooked.

Grant Delpit and Ronnie Hickman played extremely well for Cleveland all year. Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell were great as well. Banda shouldn’t be overlooked for this role.

It may be time for him to get a coordinator job.

DeMarcus Covington: A fix up front

Arguably, the most disappointing part of the Jets’ defense last season was the lack of consistency from their front four. DeMarcus Covington, a former defensive line coach in Green Bay, has plenty of experience with that.

A potential Covington hire could do wonders for a team with few resources to trust along the line.

Equipped with the second overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, selecting a defensive lineman makes a lot of sense if Covington is going to be the guy.

Chris Harris: The comfort option

Harris called plays for the first time in an interim role with the team over the final month of the season. Is that enough tape for Glenn to believe in him as a full-time coordinator?

It’s hard to really argue that. New York’s defense was abysmal in the final month of the season with Harris as the play-caller. If he gets the interim tag removed, it would be nothing more than a comfort move from Glenn.

Daronte Jones: Brian Flores 2.0?

Daronte Jones is a popular name around the league due to his success in getting the best out of Minnesota’s secondary under Brian Flores. Jones has learned an aggressive coaching style predicated on a scheme, which is a lovely potential addition for the Jets as well.

He may not be a well-known name like the next person on this list, but he’s someone who should excite fans if he is the final choice for Glenn. He understands what wins in the modern NFL.

Jim Leonhard: The fans’ choice

This is easily the most popular name on this list. Jim Leonhard is not just a former Jet player; he’s also had a strong history of building quality defenses in Denver and at Wisconsin (at the collegiate level).

It’s very hard to see him take this job, though. Leonhard will be a finalist for the role in several organizations, including Dallas, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, and even Minnesota if Flores leaves.

What exactly can Glenn guarantee that those other stops can’t?

Wink Martindale: The big name

No name here has more experience than Wink Martindale. He also coincidentally has similar philosophies to Glenn’s man-heavy/blitz-heavy approach.

There are plenty of reasons not to like a Martindale pairing in New York — his struggles with the Giants and his final year in Baltimore as prime examples. Some detractors believe the game has passed him by.

But the Jets aren’t going to magically get the best players for their defense right away. They need a stabilizing force to maximize the talent they already have.

Martindale has historically done that throughout his career, even if it hasn’t always been pretty.

Jim O’Neil: Going down with the ship

Unlike many of the names on this list, Jim O’Neil has coordinated experiences in both Cleveland and San Francisco. The results weren’t very good, but he still has that experience.

A potential hire for O’Neil, a current Detroit Lions assistant, would look more like Glenn doubling down on what he believes wins in today’s NFL. It won’t be about strategy; it will be about sure will.

Will doesn’t win games anymore, though, and it could be a case where Glenn goes down with the ship if O’Neil is hired.