Jan. 20, 2026, 4:55 p.m. ET
The New York Jets have interviewed eight candidates for their defensive coordinator vacancy.
Among the more intriguing candidates is Minnesota Vikings defensive pass game coordinator Daronte Jones. Jones has been employed in that role under Brian Flores and Kevin O’Connell since 2023.
The Jets are facing some competition for Jones’ services. He recently interviewed in-person with the Dallas Cowboys for the same role. He also has a request from the New York Giants to interview for their defensive coordinator vacancy, according to Adam Schefter.
Jones was reportedly the first coach the Jets wanted to speak to about the position, so it’s possible that Aaron Glenn is specifically targeting him.
The Cowboys are searching for a new defensive coordinator after firing Matt Eberflus at the conclusion of the 2025 regular season. The Giants recently hired John Harbaugh to be their new head coach. The excellent Harbaugh is now filling out his coaching staff, and has also taken an interest in Jones’ candidacy.
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Jones has never coordinated an NFL defense, but he was LSU’s defensive coordinator throughout the 2021 campaign. He also possesses early-career experience calling a defense at the high school level.
Several teams are high on Jones. He’s an ascending coach the Jets would be fortunate to hire.