Jones had been a finalist for the Jets’ DC job, after initially interviewing by Zoom and then in person this week. His move to Washington leaves the Jets with another vacancy to fill in their defensive staff.
The Jets’ DC search has been pared down from eight initial virtual interviews to five remaining candidates. On January 26, Detroit Lions assistant Jim O’Neil agreed to stay with the Lions, Jones took the Washington job, and former Miami Dolphins coach Mathieu Araujo joined the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The five still in contention for the Jets’ DC role are interim DC Chris Harris, Denver Broncos assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard, longtime coordinator Wink Martindale, Cleveland Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda, and Green Bay Packers defensive line coach and run game coordinator DeMarcus Covington.
Martindale had been a strong favorite among Jets beat reporters, but Connor Hughes of SNY indicated the relationship is still developing and not yet guaranteed, with negotiations ongoing between the Jets and Martindale.
If Martindale’s candidacy stalls, the Jets could pivot to a plan in which head coach Aaron Glenn calls the defensive plays, with Chris Harris remaining in consideration for DC. Zoning in on play-calling duties remains a key talking point as Jets staff decisions unfold.
