Jan. 19, 2026, 7:24 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
The New York Jets<\/a> announced they have interviewed eight candidates to fill their defensive coordinator vacancy<\/a>. Head coach Aaron Glenn will soon make a decision to appoint Steve Wilks’ successor. Among the options, Detroit Lions<\/a> assistant Jim O’Neil could emerge as the favorite.<\/p>\n O’Neil has two advantages working in his favor. He’s the only candidate on the list to possess previous experience with Coach Glenn. He’s also just one of two candidates, alongside Wink Martindale<\/a>, to have previously coordinated a defense in the NFL.<\/p>\n O’Neil was a defensive assistant under Glenn with the Detroit Lions in 2024. He also knows the Jets and AFC East well. O’Neil actually worked for the Jets from 2009-2012 under Rex Ryan, and later worked for the Buffalo Bills<\/a> in 2013.<\/p>\n O’Neil then coordinated the Cleveland Browns<\/a>‘ defense in 2014-15, and then again for the San Francisco 49ers in 2016. The Browns fielded a top-10 scoring defense under O’Neil in 2014, but regressed to 29th in 2015. His 49ers defense in 2016 was the worst in the league, allowing 30 points per contest.<\/p>\n The Jets have a mixture of intriguing candidates. Ranging from veterans like O’Neil and Martindale to Jim Leonhard and DeMarcus Covington<\/a>, Glenn has a decision to make. Glenn’s familiarity with O’Neil could play a role.<\/p>\n