The search for the New York Jets’ next defensive coordinator is officially underway - and if the first wave of interviews is any indication, head coach Aaron Glenn is casting a wide net. On Friday, the team announced it had completed virtual interviews with eight candidates, a group that blends youthful promise with battle-tested experience.
Let’s break it down.
Who’s in the Mix?
The list of candidates includes:
- Matt Araujo (Dolphins defensive backs coach)
- Ephraim Banda (Browns safeties coach)
- Demarcus Covington (Packers defensive line coach)
- Chris Harris (Jets interim defensive coordinator)
- Daronte Jones (Vikings defensive backs coach)
- Jim Leonhard (Broncos pass game coordinator)
- Wink Martindale (Michigan defensive coordinator)
- Jim O’Neil (Lions defensive assistant)
It’s a diverse group - a mix of rising assistants looking for their first shot at calling plays and seasoned veterans who’ve worn the headset before. And for Jets fans, a couple of names jump off the page.
The Familiar Faces: Leonhard and Martindale
Jim Leonhard is the name that resonates most with the fanbase - and for good reason. He was a key part of the Jets’ defense during the Rex Ryan era, a stretch of time that still holds a special place in the hearts of many in Gang Green Nation.
Since hanging up his cleats, Leonhard has built a reputation as one of the brightest young defensive minds in the game. His work at Wisconsin and now with the Broncos has made him a hot commodity this offseason.
He’s already drawn interest from teams like the Giants, Cowboys, and Steelers, and it’s no surprise that the Jets are in the mix.
Then there’s Wink Martindale, the most experienced name on the list. Martindale’s résumé includes a successful run as the Ravens’ defensive coordinator, where his aggressive, blitz-heavy scheme became a trademark in Baltimore.
He later brought that same edge to the Giants before heading to Michigan. His system aligns well with what Glenn has preached - physical, attacking, and fundamentally sound football.
If the Jets want a proven voice to lead the defense, Martindale fits the bill.
The Rising Coaches
Beyond the two headline names, the rest of the field is filled with intriguing, if less proven, options.
Jim O’Neil brings prior coordinator experience from his time with the Browns and 49ers and was part of Glenn’s staff in Detroit. That familiarity could be a factor in his favor.
Daronte Jones hasn’t called plays at the NFL level, but he’s been working under Brian Flores in Minnesota - a defensive mind known for his creativity and intensity. Learning under someone like Flores can be invaluable, even if Jones is still waiting for his shot to lead a unit.
Ephraim Banda, Demarcus Covington, and Matt Araujo are all young assistants who’ve worked under some of the NFL’s most respected defensive coordinators - names like Jim Schwartz, Jeff Hafley, and Vic Fangio. While none of them have called plays yet, they’ve all been groomed in systems that demand precision and discipline.
This is the kind of group that might not be a splashy hire today, but could grow into something special with the right support.
The In-House Option
Chris Harris remains in the conversation after stepping in as the Jets’ interim defensive coordinator to close out the 2025 season. He’s familiar with the locker room, the personnel, and the culture Glenn is trying to build. Continuity can be a powerful thing, especially on a side of the ball where communication and trust are everything.
What’s Next?
This is just the first round, but the Jets are clearly doing their homework. Whether they go with a fan-favorite like Leonhard, a seasoned vet like Martindale, or roll the dice on an emerging talent, the decision will say a lot about the direction Glenn wants to take this defense.
One thing’s for sure: the Jets aren’t just looking for a play-caller - they’re looking for a tone-setter. Someone who can bring identity, energy, and execution to a unit that has the pieces to be special.
The search continues, but the picture is starting to take shape.