Vikings Defensive Assistant Lands Another Interview

Thus far the Minnesota Vikings coaching staff has avoided significant departures this offseason. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores was got a few interviews, but struckout on those opportunities. QB coach Josh McCown is sticking around too. The only Vikings assistant to this offseason so far is assistant QB coach Grant Udinski.

Saints come marching for Minnesota Vikings Daronte Jones?

On Thursday, however, pass-game coordinator and defensive backs coach Daronte Jones was tapped on for his third defensive coordinator interview of the offseason, having already sat down with both the Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars. This time around, it’s the New Orleans Saints requesting the interview.

The #Saints have requested to interview #Vikings pass-game coordinator/DBs Daronte Jones for their defensive coordinator position, per sources.

Jones has been heavy on the DC interview circuit this cycle.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 13, 2025

The Saints are a bit behind the curve after they hired former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore as their head coach. It took a bit of waiting, while Moore was winning a Super Bowl. The hire was finally announced on Thursday and now Moore will look to round out his staff.

Related: What Can Vikings Learn From How Eagles Draft Linemen?

Daronte Jones has been with Minnesota for four seasons. He has worked with the defensive backs in each of those years, and took up passing game coordinator duties over the past two. Jones worked with LSU in 2021 which meant he coached Vikings undrafted rookie Dwight McGlothern.

New Orleans already eyeing a different defensive coordinator?

Moore will be leaning heavily on his assistants as the Saints new head coach. He is just 35 years old (36 by Week 1), and obviously brings an offensive mindset to the position. It would be a significant step up in expectations for Jones. Most NFL insiders put Kellen Moore’s old buddy Brandon Staley as the far and away favorite to land the job, however.

Sources: Former #Chargers HC Brandon Staley has emerged as a serious candidate for the #Saints’ DC position under new head coach Kellen Moore. https://t.co/3TE7GeE7m6 pic.twitter.com/icxAu1tU3p

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 11, 2025

Head coach Kevin O’Connell oversees a team that has ample salary cap space this offseason and will bring in an influx of new talent to replace departing free agents. Moore’s Saints are in cap hell, so the more they can get from a development perspective through coaching, the better.