On Friday, the New York Jets announced that they have conducted eight interviews for their vacant defensive coordinator position following the mid-season dismissal of Steve Wilks during the 2025 season. One of the candidates under consideration is Jim O’Neil, who currently serves as a defensive assistant and safeties coach for the Detroit Lions.
Despite joining the Lions only in 2024, O’Neil has made a significant impact, particularly in developing young talent within the safeties unit. Under his guidance, Pro Bowler Brian Branch and All-Pro Kerby Joseph have flourished in their careers. Notably, O’Neil’s time with the Lions coincided with that of Aaron Glenn, who is now the Jets’ head coach but previously held the defensive coordinator role with Detroit.
O’Neil is not new to the defensive coordinator role, having previously held similar positions with the Cleveland Browns from 2014 to 2015, the San Francisco 49ers in 2016, and the Northwestern Wildcats in 2021 and 2022. His extensive experience suggests that he could bring valuable insights and a strategic approach to the Jets’ defense.
In addition to O’Neil, the Jets are exploring other candidates, including Mathieu Araujo, cornerback coach with the Dolphins; Ephraim Banda, safeties coach for the Browns; Demarcus Covington, defensive line coach for the Packers; Chris Harris, the Jets’ current defensive backs coach and interim coordinator; Daronte Jones, Vikings defensive pass game coordinator; Jim Leonhard, Broncos assistant head coach, and former Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.
O’Neil’s potential move to New York highlights the trend of Lions staff members attracting interest elsewhere. The Lions’ current defensive coordinator, Kelvin Sheppard, has been requested for an interview regarding the Dolphins’ head coaching position, while David Shaw has interviewed for the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator role, and Jett Modkins is a candidate for the Bucs’ special teams coordinator job.
This flurry of interviews indicates not only the competitive landscape of coaching in the NFL but also the growing reputation of the coaching staff within the Lions organization. As teams seek to bolster their defenses, the strategic decisions made in the coming weeks will be crucial for the Jets and their pursuit of a new defensive leader.