Wink Martindale among eight interviewed by Jets for DC role
Wink Martindale among eight interviewed by Jets for DC role originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Jets held virtual meetings with eight candidates in the first round of interviews for their open defensive coordinator position, the team announced Friday.
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The Jets have completed interviews with the following candidates: Wink Martindale (Michigan defensive coordinator), Jim Leonhard (Broncos defensive pass game coordinator), Chris Harris (Jets defensive backs coach), Jim O’Neil (Lions defensive assistant), DeMarcus Covington (Packers defensive line coach), Daronte Jones (Vikings defensive backs coach), Mathieu Araujob (Dolphins cornerbacks coach) and Ephraim Banda (Browns safeties coach).
We’ve completed virtual interviews with the following candidates for our defensive coordinator opening.
— New York Jets (@nyjets) January 16, 2026
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Martindale, 65, is the most experienced play-caller among the group, having spent the past two seasons as Michigan’s defensive coordinator after several years calling defenses at the NFL level.
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Leonhard, who started 40 games over three seasons as a safety for the Jets, has served as the Broncos’ defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator for the past two seasons and added assistant head coach to his title this year.
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Harris joined Aaron Glenn’s staff last offseason as defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator before finishing the season as interim defensive coordinator following Steve Wilks’ firing.
This may not represent the complete field of candidates, as the Jets could be waiting on additional options while the league’s remaining head coaching vacancies are filled.
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