The New York Jets are searching for a new defensive coordinator. The Jets ranked 25th in total defense (29.6 yards per game) and 31st in scoring (29.6 points per game). Year two under Aaron Glenn must look a lot different on the defensive side of the ball, or else he will lose his job. It’s a make-or-break hire for Glenn. Here are three coaches the Jets could hire to become their next defensive coordinator.
Wink Martindale
If a candidate is leading in the clubhouse right now, it’s Wink Martindale.
The 62-year-old recently spent the last two seasons in college with the Michigan Wolverines.
Before Michigan, Martindale was an NFL defensive coach, serving as a position coach with the Oakland Raiders (2004-2008), Denver Broncos (2009-2010), and Baltimore Ravens (2012-2017).
In 2018, Martindale was promoted to defensive coordinator, a position he held for the next four seasons.
After parting ways with the Ravens following the 2021 season, Martindale became the Giants’ defensive coordinator in 2022. That season, Martindale’s defense overperformed as the Giants advanced to the divisional round of the postseason.
Martindale is known for his aggressiveness as a playcaller. In 2023, the Giants were tied in takeaways (31) under Martindale.
The Jets are a team that can’t turn the ball over. They had zero interceptions in 2025, which almost seems statistically impossible.
This attacking style of defense could be what the Jets need to turn things around in 2026.
Jim Leonhard
Is it time to bring another former Jets player home?
Jim Leonhard is viewed as a viable candidate to be the Jets’ defensive coordinator. Leonhard was a fan favorite when he played with the Jets from 2009 to 2011.
Since leaving the NFL, Leonhard spent most of his time coaching at the University of Wisconsin, where he served as the defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2022.
Leonhard has spent his last two seasons as a defensive assistant with the Denver Broncos, who boast one of the best defenses in the league.
Leonhard’s availability comes down to Vance Joseph, the current defensive coordinator in Denver. If Joseph takes a head coaching job, Leonhard is the likely replacement at DC.
If Joseph does stay in Denver, perhaps the Jets can pry Leonhard away from the Broncos.
Daronte Jones
Daronte Jones is the Defensive Backs Coach and Pass Game Coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings.
Jones is currently serving under Brian Flores, who is widely considered one of the best defensive coordinators in football.
Jones is viewed as a rising star in the coaching ranks and feels like he’s ready to become a coordinator.
Other teams, including the Green Bay Packers, are exploring Jones as a DC. If the Jets want Jones, they will have to move quickly.