US EditionJets Interview Lions Assistant for Defensive Coordinator Job
The Jets completed virtual interviews with eight candidates to replace fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks after a 3-14 season with bottom-10 defense stats.
- On Jan. 16, 2026, the New York Jets completed virtual interviews with eight candidates for defensive coordinator, including Wink Martindale and Jim O'Neil, via Zoom in a finished first round.
- After a 3-14 season, the Jets fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks on Dec. 15 and traded Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner, prompting a defensive coordinator search.
- Among candidates, the list included Mathieu Araujo, Ephraim Banda, DeMarcus Covington, Daronte Jones, Jim Leonhard, Chris Harris, Wink Martindale and Jim O'Neil, with 7 having prior coordinator experience.
- Glenn will next shorten the list and conduct in-person interviews in the near future, saying compatibility is as important as coachability and wanting to `vibe` on football.
- Whoever is hired will face a tough assignment rebuilding New York's defense and will 'have their work cut out for them,' while Jim O'Neil's Lions surrendered the second-fewest total yards per game , bolstering his case.
26 Articles
26 Articles
Associated Press News
Leonhard and Martindale among 8 candidates interviewed by Jets for defensive coordinator job
The New York Jets have interviewed eight candidates for their defensive coordinator position, including Jim Leonhard and Wink Martindale.
The Columbus Dispatch
Wink Martindale, ex-Michigan DC, Lions' Jim O'Neil interview with Jets
The New York Jets announced that they have completed virtual interviews with 8 candidates for defensive coordinator, including 2 with Michigan ties.
Detroit Lions safeties coach interviews with New York Jets for DC job - Technology Shout
The New York Jets have released a list of eight candidates who have interviewed for the team’s vacant defensive coordinator position. Detroit Lions safeties coach Jim O’Neal was one of eight people on the Jets’ roster to interview for the first game in Washington. O’Neal also earned a defensive assistant title with the Lions in 2025 and spent the past two seasons in Detroit. advertise O’Neal, 47, has experience with the Jets, serving as the Jets…
Green Bay Packers Coach Interviews With New York Jets For Defensive Coordinator Position
The Green Bay Packers have several questions regarding their coaching staff of the 2026 NFL season. Of course, the biggest of these questions is when (or whether) head coach Matt LaFleur and the team will agree on a contract extension for next season. The two sides have been negotiating all week, though rumors state that the two sides are making progress. Another big question is the future of defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Undoubtedly, the P…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
