The New York Jets are in the final stretch of their search for a new defensive coordinator, and while all signs have been pointing toward longtime NFL assistant Wink Martindale, the door hasn’t fully closed on another intriguing name - Jim Leonhard.
Let’s break it down.
Martindale, who met with the Jets in person last Friday, has been widely viewed as the frontrunner. But here we are, three days later, and no deal has been finalized.
In the NFL coaching carousel, timing matters. When a visit doesn’t immediately lead to a contract, it opens the door for other possibilities - and that’s where Leonhard comes back into the picture.
Leonhard, currently the Broncos’ assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator, was one of the more high-profile candidates the Jets interviewed earlier this month. At the time, it felt like a long shot. Leonhard’s reputation as a rising star in coaching circles made him a hot commodity, and it seemed likely he’d have his pick of jobs once the Broncos’ playoff run ended.
But then the landscape shifted.
The Green Bay Packers, considered a strong contender for Leonhard’s services, opted to hire former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon instead. The New York Giants, another team linked to Leonhard, reportedly went with Dennard Wilson. Just like that, the two most likely landing spots outside of New York disappeared.
And now? The Broncos are out of the playoffs, which means Leonhard is officially available for in-person meetings. The timing couldn’t be more interesting.
There are still other teams in the market for a defensive coordinator - the 49ers, Commanders, Dolphins, and Ravens among them - but none of those teams have reportedly met with Leonhard to this point. That gives the Jets a potential edge, especially considering they’ve already gotten a foot in the door with an interview.
Still, there are no guarantees here. Just because the Jets have an opening doesn’t mean Leonhard will jump at it.
In fact, there’s a very real possibility he could choose to stay in Denver, where he’s already established and working under a stable staff. That’s especially relevant when you consider the concerns some coaches have reportedly had about joining Aaron Glenn’s staff in New York, which some around the league view as being on shaky ground.
But here’s the key takeaway: Leonhard took the interview. That alone is a sign that he’s at least open to the idea - and that’s more than can be said for several other candidates who declined to even meet with the Jets.
So while Martindale may still be the favorite, Leonhard is far from out of the running. A week ago, the idea of him landing in New York felt like a long shot. Today, it feels a little more real.
The Jets' defensive coordinator search isn’t over just yet. And with Leonhard now officially in play, the final decision could be more interesting than expected.