The Jets are back in the market for a defensive coordinator, and the search is heating up. After announcing a list of candidates last week, that pool has already shrunk-Mathieu Araujo, one of the more intriguing names, has been scooped up by the Jacksonville Jaguars to run their defense.
That leaves seven contenders still in play. So how do they stack up?
Let’s break it down.
Top of the List: Jim Leonhard
Current Role: Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Pass Game Coordinator, Denver Broncos
Jets Connection: Former fan-favorite safety
If you’re looking for a name that checks almost every box, Jim Leonhard is that guy. He’s got the résumé, the reputation, and a deep understanding of how to build a modern defense. Jets fans will remember him as a smart, hard-nosed player in their secondary, but his coaching career might be even more impressive.
Leonhard climbed the ranks quickly at Wisconsin, going from a first-time coach to one of the most respected defensive coordinators in college football. He even served as interim head coach in 2022. After being passed over for the full-time gig, he took a year to reset as an analyst at Illinois before joining Sean Payton’s staff in Denver.
Now, here's where it gets interesting: it’s unclear what version of his defensive philosophy he’d bring to the Jets. Would it look more like his Wisconsin days, where he leaned into simulated pressures and disguised looks?
Or would it resemble the scheme he’s working with now under Vance Joseph in Denver? The likely answer is a hybrid of both-and that could be exactly what the Jets need.
Leonhard’s Wisconsin defenses were known for their cerebral approach. He loved to walk defenders up to the line, forcing offensive lines to account for potential blitzers who might not actually come.
Those simulated pressures disrupted protections without sacrificing coverage on the back end. It’s a tactic that could pair nicely with what Aaron Glenn wants to do-stress the offense without leaving the secondary exposed, something that was a major issue under Steve Wilks.
But here’s the catch: why would Leonhard want this job?
He’s in a good spot in Denver. Respected, well-positioned, and potentially next in line if Vance Joseph lands another head coaching opportunity.
Taking over a Jets defense that needs a major overhaul-and doing it with a coaching staff that could be on thin ice-might not be the most appealing career move. Unless, of course, Leonhard has a soft spot for his old team.
Intriguing but Inexperienced: Daronte Jones and Ephraim Banda
Daronte Jones
Current Role: Defensive Backs Coach/Pass Game Coordinator, Minnesota Vikings
Ephraim Banda
Current Role: Safeties Coach, Cleveland Browns
These two are rising names in coaching circles. Jones has worked under Brian Flores in Minnesota, while Banda is part of Jim Schwartz’s staff in Cleveland-two defensive minds who know how to build tough, aggressive units. That kind of mentorship matters.
Jones, in particular, fits the mold of what the Jets might be looking for in terms of scheme. Flores’ system is aggressive and creative, and Jones has had a hand in shaping one of the better pass defenses in the league. Banda, meanwhile, has helped develop a Browns secondary that’s been among the most disciplined and physical in the NFL.
In a vacuum, both would be solid hires. But the Jets aren’t operating in a vacuum.
This is a high-stakes, high-pressure situation. The defense needs a quick turnaround, and the coaching staff doesn’t have a long runway.
That makes it risky to hand the reins to someone who hasn’t called plays at the NFL level or led a major college defense.
Not the Right Fit: Don “Wink” Martindale
Most Recent Role: Defensive Coordinator, University of Michigan
Martindale brings experience-plenty of it. He’s been around the NFL block and just helped Michigan win big at the college level. But experience alone doesn’t guarantee success, especially if the scheme doesn’t match the personnel or the head coach’s vision.
Martindale is known for his aggressive, blitz-heavy approach. That worked well at times in Baltimore and even produced a takeaway-heavy season with the Giants. But there’s a reason he’s not still leading those defenses.
At Michigan, there were concerns about his unwillingness to adapt. He stuck to his system, even when it didn’t fit the players he had. That sounds a little too familiar for Jets fans who watched Steve Wilks struggle to adjust last season.
Leonhard, at his best, could bridge the gap between Glenn’s aggressive tendencies and the demands of today’s NFL. Martindale, on the other hand, might double down on the very issues that got the Jets defense in trouble last year.
Long Shot: Jim O’Neil
Current Role: Defensive Assistant, Detroit Lions
O’Neil is a bit of a mystery candidate. He’s been around the league, and sometimes those under-the-radar names turn out to be hidden gems.
But nothing about his recent track record jumps off the page. In a situation like this-where the team needs a proven leader to fix a struggling unit in a hurry-it’s hard to justify taking a swing on someone without a clearer trajectory.
Final Thoughts
This hire isn’t just about scheme or résumé-it’s about timing. The Jets need someone who can walk in, command the room, and get results fast. That narrows the field.
Jim Leonhard stands out as the most complete option. He’s got the tactical mind, the leadership chops, and a history with the organization that could make this a natural fit-if he’s willing to take the leap.
Jones and Banda bring promise, but their lack of play-calling experience makes them risky bets in a make-or-break year. Martindale has the credentials but may bring more of the same problems.
And O’Neil? Just too many unknowns.
The Jets have a big decision to make. The right coordinator could stabilize the defense and buy the staff more time.
The wrong one? It could fast-track a full reset.