Lions retain trusted defensive assistant despite interest from Jets

While a top offensive assistant is being considered for a promotion elsewhere, the Detroit Lions have retained a key defensive coach.

According to The Athletic’s Diana Russini, the Lions will retain defensive assistant and safeties coach Jim O’Neil for at least one more season.

O’Neil recently interviewed for the New York Jets’ defensive coordinator position, which opened after the team dismissed Steve Wilks late in the season. O’Neil began his coaching career with the Jets as a defensive quality control coach in 2009 and assistant defensive backs coach from 2010 to 2012. Last season, he worked under Aaron Glenn, who served as the Lions’ defensive coordinator.

During his time with the Lions, O’Neil has played a key role in developing safeties Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, who earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2024. When injuries sidelined Joseph and Branch in 2025, O’Neil continued to develop young players such as Thomas Harper, who started most of the season in Joseph’s absence, and Erick Hallett.

With limited depth at safety, O’Neil was instrumental in preparing Avonte Maddox, who was new to the position, and Daniel Thomas.

After losing up to eight coaches last offseason, the Lions’ ability to maintain coaching staff continuity, aside from replacing John Morton with Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator, could benefit the team.

Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard recently interviewed for the Miami Dolphins head coach position, which was filled by former Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Assistant special teams coordinator Jett Modkins and passing game coordinator David Shaw also interviewed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for coordinator roles.

On Monday, The Athletic reported that Lions wide receivers coach and assistant head coach Scottie Montgomery is interviewing with the Baltimore Ravens for their offensive coordinator vacancy.

It remains to be seen whether the Lions can retain most of their valued assistants for the 2026 season. Given the safety uncertainty stemming from injuries to Branch and Joseph, keeping a talent developer like O’Neil is especially important for first-time coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. O’Neil brings significant experience, having served as a defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in 2016 and at Northwestern before joining the Lions.