The New York Giants are progressing in their coaching overhaul, having solidified John Harbaugh as their head coach. The next priority for the organization is to build a coaching staff capable of making an immediate impact on the field. Significant attention is focused on the search for a new defensive coordinator, with Todd Monken anticipated to join Harbaugh as the offensive coordinator.
The defensive coordinator search is just getting started, but the Giants have initiated discussions by requesting to interview Daronte Jones, the Minnesota Vikings’ passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach. This move was reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Yet, the Giants may face stiff competition for Jones, as he has already conducted interviews with the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys for similar positions. Additionally, the Vikings might be inclined to retain him if current defensive coordinator Brian Flores departs for another opportunity.
While Daronte Jones may not be a widely recognized name, he possesses the qualities that could make him an excellent candidate for the Giants. At 47 years old, he has accumulated significant experience over the past four seasons in Minnesota, earning a reputation as a vital member of Flores’ coaching staff. His trajectory suggests that he could very well be commanding a defense in the NFL by 2026.
Jones’s background as a former college cornerback and his extensive coaching resume includes notable stints as the defensive coordinator at LSU in 2021 and coaching defensive backs for teams like the Dolphins and Bengals, as well as the Vikings. His close working relationship with Flores positions him as a potential successor should Flores secure a head coaching role elsewhere.
Interestingly, despite not having worked directly with Harbaugh, Jones has connections to the Giants’ general manager, Joe Schoen. Jones served as an assistant defensive backs coach in Miami during Schoen’s tenure in the front office, and he interviewed for New York’s defensive coordinator position when Shane Bowen was hired.
Although Jones has additional interviews planned, it remains to be seen whether Harbaugh will select him over previous colleagues like Anthony Weaver or Dennard Wilson. Harbaugh’s emphasis on accountability in his coaching staff aligns with Jones’s experience under Flores, potentially positioning him as a strong contender for the role. The Giants’ pursuit of a solid defensive coordinator reflects their commitment to fostering a competitive team in the upcoming season.