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Jets Interview Eight Candidates for Defensive Coordinator Role

1/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Jets interviewed eight candidates for their vacant defensive coordinator position after firing Steve Wilks.
The candidates include Wink Martindale, Jim Leonhard, Chris Harris, Jim O’Neil, DeMarcus Covington, Daronte Jones, Mathieu Araujo, and Ephra Banda.
Wink Martindale, with National Football League (NFL) experience, has served as the University of Michigan's defensive coordinator.
Jim Leonhard, with the Denver Broncos, has contributed to a league-top defense.
The Jets aim to strengthen their defense.

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Story summary

Jets interviewed eight candidates for their vacant defensive coordinator position after firing Steve Wilks.
The candidates include Wink Martindale, Jim Leonhard, Chris Harris, Jim O’Neil, DeMarcus Covington, Daronte Jones, Mathieu Araujo, and Ephra Banda.
Wink Martindale, with National Football League (NFL) experience, has served as the University of Michigan's defensive coordinator.
Jim Leonhard, with the Denver Broncos, has contributed to a league-top defense.
The Jets aim to strengthen their defense.