One Key Thought for Each New York Jets Defensive Coordinator Candidate.

The New York Jets have cast a wide net in their search for a new defensive coordinator, interviewing eight candidates with diverse résumés that include position coaches, former play-callers, and respected assistants from top defenses around the league. With head coach Aaron Glenn overseeing the process, the decision will hinge on which candidate can best resurrect a unit that faltered badly last season. As the Jets determine who deserves a second interview, here is one defining takeaway for each contender. Matt Araujo’s candidacy initially drew skepticism from Jets fans, largely due to Miami’s inconsistent defensive results. However, context matters when evaluating his work. The Dolphins relied heavily on cornerbacks Storm Duck and, later, Rasul Douglas, neither of whom entered the season as a clear top-tier option. Despite those limitations, Miami’s secondary improved as the year went on. That progression speaks to Araujo’s ability to develop players and adapt, making him a more credible candidate than early reactions suggested. Cleveland’s defense earned league-wide recognition under Jim Schwartz, with most of the attention focused on the dominant front and Myles Garrett. Still, the secondary’s performance deserves equal credit. Under Ephraim Banda, safeties Grant Delpit and Ronnie Hickman enjoyed strong seasons, while Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell remained reliable on the outside. Banda’s steady development of the back end suggests he may be ready to step into a coordinator role. One of the Jets’ biggest defensive issues last season was inconsistency along the defensive line. DeMarcus Covington, who has experience coaching the defensive front in Green Bay, could help stabilize that area. With limited proven depth up front and the second overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, pairing Covington with a blue-chip defensive line prospect could quickly reshape the Jets’ foundation in the trenches.

Chris Harris took over play-calling duties on an interim basis late in the season, giving Aaron Glenn a firsthand look at his approach. Unfortunately, the results were difficult to justify. The defense struggled during that stretch, raising questions about whether Harris did enough to earn a full-time promotion. Retaining him would likely be viewed as a decision rooted more in familiarity than performance. Daronte Jones has quietly built a strong reputation working with Minnesota’s secondary under Brian Flores. His coaching emphasizes aggression, discipline, and structure—hallmarks of modern defensive success. While not a high-profile name, Jones has consistently maximized defensive backs within a demanding scheme, making him one of the more intriguing options in the Jets’ search. Few candidates inspire as much excitement as Jim Leonhard. A former Jet, Leonhard has a proven track record of building disciplined, effective defenses at both the NFL and college levels, most notably at Wisconsin. However, his popularity could complicate matters, as several teams—including Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Atlanta—are expected to pursue him, potentially limiting the Jets’ leverage. Wink Martindale brings the most extensive résumé of any candidate. His aggressive, blitz-heavy, man-coverage philosophy closely aligns with Aaron Glenn’s defensive vision. While his recent tenures in New York and Baltimore raised some concerns, Martindale has a long history of elevating defenses without elite talent, offering stability for a Jets team in transition.

Jim O’Neil previously served as a defensive coordinator in Cleveland and San Francisco, with mixed results. Now an assistant with the Detroit Lions, he represents continuity within Aaron Glenn’s broader defensive philosophy. Hiring O’Neil would signal a firm commitment to effort, toughness, and culture over schematic evolution—a gamble that would closely tie Glenn’s future to the success of that approach.