Jets Target Dalonte Jones for Defensive Coordinator Role

The Jets took a step forward in their coaching overhaul by reaching out to Dalonte Jones, the Vikings’ defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach, regarding their open defensive coordinator position.

This move follows the firing of Steve Wilkes, the previous defensive coordinator, by Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, after a rather disappointing season that spanned 14 games.

During this challenging season, the Jets’ defense allowed a staggering 503 points, ranking them 31st in the league for scoring defense. They also set an unfortunate NFL record with just four turnovers throughout the season, making them the first team ever to finish a season without any interceptions.

With Wilkes gone, the Jets are considering Chris Harris, the current defensive backs coach, to step in as the interim coordinator, and discussions are ongoing regarding a more permanent appointment.

Jones, who is 47, has been with the Vikings since 2020, initially working as the defensive backs coach under then-coach Mike Zimmer. He became LSU’s defensive backs coach in 2021 before returning to Minnesota in 2022 and added the title of defensive pass game coordinator in 2023. Under his influence, the Vikings boasted a top-three defensive rating this past season, yielding an average of 282.6 yards per game.

Notably, the Vikings had a league-high 13 forced fumbles and maintained a strong average of 19.6 points allowed per game, showcasing their defensive prowess.

Jones, with over two decades of coaching experience, has worked closely with Brian Flores, a name often mentioned as a potential head coach around the league. Interestingly, the Jets aren’t the only franchise showing interest in Jones; he also has plans to interview with the Cowboys for their vacant defensive coordinator spot.