As the New York Jets begin their search for a new defensive coordinator, they’re not chasing the flashiest names on the market-and that might be exactly the right move.
In a league where Vic Fangio, Brian Flores, Jeff Hafley, Jim Schwartz, and Jesse Minter are regularly tossed around as the top defensive minds, it’s easy to assume success only comes from hiring one of the heavy hitters. But the Jets are taking a different approach-one rooted in potential, pedigree, and familiarity with elite systems.
Let’s break down what they’re doing.
The Candidate Pool: A Who’s Who of Understudies
The Jets have already completed a first round of interviews, and the list is revealing:
- Matt Araujo (Dolphins DB coach)
- Ephraim Banda (Browns safeties coach)
- Demarcus Covington (Packers DL)
- Chris Harris (interim Jets DC)
- Daronte Jones (Vikings DB coach)
- Jim Leonhard (Broncos pass game coordinator)
- Wink Martindale (Michigan DC)
- Jim O’Neil (Lions defensive assistant)
With the exception of Wink Martindale, a seasoned veteran in his own right, the common thread here is clear: these are coaches who’ve been in the orbit of some of the best defensive play-callers in the game. They’ve studied under them, worked alongside them, and in many cases, helped implement their schemes.
Ephraim Banda, for instance, worked under Jim Schwartz in Cleveland, while Demarcus Covington has ties to both Bill Belichick and Jeff Hafley. Daronte Jones has coached under Brian Flores.
Jim Leonhard spent time with Vance Joseph in Denver. Matt Araujo worked with Vic Fangio during their time in Miami.
Even Chris Harris and Jim O’Neil-who both have direct ties to current Jets defensive staff-bring familiarity and continuity, which can be invaluable in a transitional period.
Why This Approach Makes Sense
Let’s be honest: the Jets aren’t in a position to lure a top-tier coordinator like Flores or Fangio right now. Whether it’s due to current roster construction, organizational uncertainty, or the simple reality of competition across the league, those names aren’t walking through the door.
But that doesn’t mean the Jets are out of options. In fact, what they’re doing is quietly savvy.
Rather than swinging for the fences and missing, they’re targeting the next wave of defensive minds-coaches who have spent time learning from the best and are now ready to step into a larger role. It’s a bet on coaching trees, on mentorship, and on the idea that proximity to greatness can breed greatness.
It’s also a bet on Aaron Glenn’s vision. As the head coach, Glenn understands the value of building a staff that reflects his philosophy, while also bringing in fresh ideas and new energy. By looking at assistants who’ve been molded in successful systems, he’s not just filling a job-he’s building a foundation.
The Risk and the Reward
Of course, there’s no guarantee this approach works. There’s a reason these coaches are still assistants. Making the leap to full-time play-caller in the NFL is no small task, and not every protégé becomes a master.
But if even one of these candidates can channel the instincts, preparation, and schematic understanding of their mentors, the Jets could find themselves with a rising star on the sideline-someone who grows with the team and helps shape its identity for years to come.
This isn’t about making a splash. It’s about building something sustainable.
Final Thought
The Jets may not be chasing the biggest names in the game, but they’re not flying blind. They’re targeting coaches with strong coaching DNA-guys who’ve been in the room with some of the best minds in football.
That’s not just a fallback plan. It’s a calculated move to find the next great defensive voice before the rest of the league catches on.
If you can’t get the master, get the apprentice-and give him the keys. That’s the play the Jets are making. Now we wait to see who earns the headset.