The Jets are shaking things up in a big way-and the message is clear: it’s time for a reset on defense.
Just one day after a virtual interview, New York is hiring Brian Duker as their new defensive coordinator. It’s a big step for the 36-year-old, who’s never held the coordinator title before-but don’t expect him to be calling plays. That responsibility will stay with head coach Aaron Glenn, who’s holding onto the reins after the Jets cleared out much of the coaching staff around him.
Duker’s quick hire-less than 24 hours after his interview-signals a level of trust and familiarity. That makes sense, considering Duker and Glenn worked together in Detroit from 2021 to 2023.
Glenn was the Lions’ defensive coordinator, while Duker was rising through the ranks as an assistant. That shared history likely played a big role in this decision.
Most recently, Duker served as the passing game coordinator and secondary coach for the Miami Dolphins. While the Dolphins defense didn’t light up the stat sheet this past season-finishing 24th in points allowed, 22nd in total yards, and 18th against the pass-Duker was working under defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and gaining valuable experience overseeing the back end of the defense.
Now, he inherits a Jets unit that struggled mightily in 2025. The numbers paint a grim picture: 31st in points allowed, 25th in total yards given up, and 17th in passing defense.
But the most eye-popping stat? New York allowed a league-high 36 passing touchdowns and didn’t record a single interception all season.
Zero. In a league where turnovers often decide games, that’s a glaring issue that demands immediate attention.
Duker’s challenge is steep. He’s stepping into a situation where the defense needs a full identity shift-and fast. But with Glenn taking over the play-calling and someone he knows well stepping in to help retool the secondary, there’s at least a foundation of trust and shared vision.
The Jets also parted ways with offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand on Tuesday, continuing what’s become a full-blown staff overhaul. It’s clear the front office is looking for a new direction on both sides of the ball, and Duker’s hire is a key piece of that puzzle.
For now, all eyes will be on how this Glenn-Duker partnership reshapes one of the league’s most underperforming defenses. The numbers from 2025 can’t be repeated if the Jets want to climb out of the AFC basement. And while Duker won’t be the one calling plays, his fingerprints will be all over the secondary-and that’s where the Jets need the biggest turnaround.