On Tuesday, he will undergo his second interview with the Pittsburgh Steelers head coaching job, recently vacated by the legend Mike Tomlin resigning, following 19-straight winning seasons.

But in the background, there’s another MN Vikings defensive assistant receiving a ton of interest around the league over the last couple weeks — pass game coordinator Daronte Jones.

Jones has already completed defensive coordinator interviews with the Cowboys and Jets. He’s also received an interview request from the New York Giants, for the same position.

And on Tuesday, the 47-year-old assistant coach added another potential interview to his offseason itinerary… except this one hits a lot closer to home.

Daronte Jones receives interview request from Green Bay Packers

There’s been no word yet on when it will take place, but Jones is expected to be in Green Bay (assumedly this week) to chat with the Packers about the hated rival’s newly vacant defensive coordinator position.

With the Jeff Hafley hire complete, the #Packers begin their search for a new DC: They’ve requested to interview #Vikings Pass Game Coordinator/DBs coach Daronte Jones, sources said. Jones interviewed in-person with the Cowboys, as well as the #Jets. The #Giants also requested. pic.twitter.com/T2OvdDNBGK

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 20, 2026

Related: Insiders Argue Over Potential Schism Between Brian Flores, MN Vikings

Green Bay is seeking a new DC, after DC Jeff Hafley was hired as the Miami Dolphins’ new head coach on Monday. So far, Jones and Eagles DB coach Christian Parker are the only potential candidates who have received interview requests from the Packers.

The are also expected to show interest in internal candidates DeMarcus Covington, Derrick Ansley. We’ll see if higher profile targets surface. Raheem Morris — who’s also been connected to the Minnesota Vikings — is another possible candidate. Until Brian Flores makes a decision, he can’t be ruled out either.

Daronte Jones’ time with the Vikings predates that of Flores. He was originally hired as the defensive backs coach, under Mike Zimmer, back in 2020. Unsurprisingly, he came to Zimmer via the Cincinnati Bengals, where the former Vikings’ head coach also came from, prior to his hiring.

Daronte Jones’ coaching resume includes multiple stops with MN Vikings

He then left for one season, to be the defensive coordinator at LSU. When Kevin O’Connell was hired as head coach in 2022, Jones was re-hired as defensive backs coach, under one-and-done defensive coordinator Ed Donatell.

When Flores arrived in 2023, the MN Vikings retained Jones as their pass game coordinator, a position he has held for the past two seasons (2024-2025).

Prior to his time in Cincinnati (2018-2019), Daronte Jones spent time as Dolphins’ assistant DB coach. Daronte Jones’ list of collegiate stops (per Wikipedia), prior to being hired by the Dolphins, is quite long.

• Lenoir–Rhyne (2001) — Graduate assistant
• Nicholls State (2002) — Safeties coach
• Franklin HS (LA) (2003) — Defensive Coordinator
• Jeanerette HS (LA) (2004) — Defensive Coordinator
• Bowie State (2005–2009) — Assistant head coach & defensive Coordinator
• UCLA (2010) — Cornerbacks coach
• Montreal Alouettes (2011) — Defensive backs coach
• Hawaii (2012–2013) — Secondary coach
• Hawaii (2014) — Assistant head coach & secondary coach
• Wisconsin (2015) — Defensive backs coach
• Miami Dolphins (2016–2017) — Assistant defensive backs coach
• Cincinnati Bengals (2018–2019) — Cornerbacks coach
• Minnesota Vikings (2020) — Defensive backs coach
• LSU (2021) — Defensive coordinator
• Minnesota Vikings (2022) — Defensive backs coach
• Minnesota Vikings (2023–present) Defensive pass game coordinator

And now, if Jones is hired by any of these teams, it’s very possible the Vikings lose two key pieces of the best defense they’ve had since Zimmer’s prime.

Would Daronte take a defensive coordinator job elsewhere, before Brian Flores decides to stay or go? Can he afford not to? Probably not.

Especially being that the Vikings haven’t shown a lot interest in retaining/promoting their defensive pass game coordinator to this point, at least publicly.

Lots of potential Minnesota Vikings DC candidates coming available

Does that mean the Vikings are confident Brian Flores will return or that they really aren’t that interested in keeping Jones around, regardless of whether or not Flores walks? Only time can answer these questions.

Meanwhile, there are a few intriguing external candidates the Minnesota Vikings could target as their next defensive coordinator, should B-Flo receive his dream offer from the Steelers or leave for a different job.

Related: Details on Vikings’ Offseason QB Plan Revealed

Sean McDermott was just fired by the Bills. We’ll see if he gets another immediate head coaching opportunity. The Vikings have already been connected to Kevin O’Connell’s former colleague in LA — recently-fired Falcons HC Raheem Morris.

One-time MN Vikings assistant coach Jonathan Gannon — who was fired from his perch as Cardinals head coach following three-straight losing seasons in Arizona (15-36 record) — would be another no-brainer target for Kwesi & Co to bring in for an interview.

Somewhat surprisingly, the organization appears to be leaning toward the status quo in several key areas. Only one significant change (OL Coach Chris Kuper) has come as a result of internal decision-making so far. More could be on the horizon due to external interest, which would force O’Connell to pivot in order to fill his staff.

The future of defensive coordinator Brian Flores remains up in the air. While Minnesota waits on that front, they could also lose passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Daronte Jones.

Daronte Jones May Be Lured Away From Minnesota Vikings

Daronte Jones is currently under contract with the Minnesota Vikings as their passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach. Multiple teams are eyeing him for a promotion to defensive coordinator however, which would allow them to steal the talented Jones right in front of their face.

Giants have requested to interview Vikings passing game coordinator and DB coach Daronte Jones for their defensive coordinator position. Jones has interviewed in-person with the Cowboys and Jets for their DC positions.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2026

The New York Giants, now led by new head coach John Harbaugh, are evaluating Jones for their opening. That interview will be his third this cycle after already meeting with the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets.

Given that Brian Flores isn’t under contract beyond this season, the Vikings could ultimately decide to elevate Jones to defensive coordinator themselves. Should Flores leave, the team would have an immediate vacancy to fill.

Minnesota could also find itself in a tough spot. Both Flores and Jones are interviewing elsewhere. If both leave, the Vikings would be forced to find a new DC quickly, and may be left wondering whether they should have promoted an up-and-coming assistant sooner.

This is a pivotal situation to monitor for Minnesota. Flores has revitalized the defense after Ed Donatell’s unit struggled, while O’Connell’s offense has not clicked as consistently as expected. The team simply can’t afford for the defense to fall into mediocrity again.

If Jones isn’t hired as a defensive coordinator this cycle, it may be the last realistic chance for the Minnesota Vikings to keep him in the building.

Brian Flores has already been linked to interviews with the Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens. Now, interest is also picking up around defensive assistant Daronte Jones.

Daronte Jones Lines Up Multiple Interviews

The Minnesota Vikings have employed Daronte Jones in multiple stints over several seasons. Most recently, he has served as the team’s passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach. Now, he’s reportedly drawing interest from both the New York Jets and the Dallas Cowboys for prominent assistant roles.

Jets have requested to interview Vikings passing game coordinator/DB coach Daronte Jones for their defensive coordinator position.

Jones is also slated to interview with the Cowboys for their DC position as well. pic.twitter.com/S6LGw0m7uU

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 9, 2026

Aaron Glenn endured a difficult first season as head coach of the New York Jets. A 3–14 record, inconsistent quarterback play, and defensive struggles defined the year. Coming from Detroit with a defensive background, Glenn is now looking to reset that side of the ball after parting ways with Steve Wilks.

Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys have reportedly shown interest in Brian Flores for their defensive coordinator position. Minnesota would be reluctant to let Flores walk without a contingency plan, and Dallas may recognize that reality. Jones could represent an alternative option, and a move would likely come with a significant promotion.

Jones has only served as a defensive coordinator once in his career, holding the role at LSU during the 2021 season under Ed Orgeron. After major turnover within the Tigers’ program, he returned to Minnesota, where his profile has steadily risen.

MN Vikings Need to Retain Up-and-Coming Assistants

As long as Brian Flores remains with the Minnesota Vikings, no team will pry away their defensive coordinator. However, identifying ways to promote, develop, or financially retain rising assistants remains critical.

Prior to last season, the Vikings allowed Grant Udinski to leave for Jacksonville. He helped rejuvenate the Jaguars’ offense, while Minnesota was left scrambling. Kevin O’Connell’s offense struggled as he balanced play-calling with broader game-management responsibilities. Wes Phillips has yet to distinguish himself, and Josh McCown could soon follow a similar trajectory.

O’Connell and the front office must do a better job identifying fringe coaches with high ceilings and keeping them close. With multiple teams now showing interest, it’s clear that Daronte Jones fits that profile.

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.

In the evening, the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Buffalo Bills to seal their third-straight AFC Championship, and five of the last six. That means, in two weeks, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs will play for their third-straight Super Bowl title, something that has never been done before.

But while the Eagles and Chiefs prepare for the final game of the NFL season, the rest of the league is well into offseason mode. That includes the Vikings, who have already extended head coach Kevin O’Connell. Reports say general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is next.

Minnesota Vikings defensive assistant receives 2nd interview request

What about the rest of the coaching staff? It appears both Brian Flores and Josh McCown are sticking around for another season. The former struck out in all three of his head coaching interviews, the latter just one. Yet, there are some concerns still, over possible assistant departures.

Assistant QB Coach Grant Udinski has been a finalist for multiple OC jobs, but has yet to receive an offer. On the the other side of the football Monday morning, another Minnesota Vikings assistant received his second interview request of the offseason.

According to Tom Pelissero (NFL Network), defensive backs coach Daronte Jones — who was already interviewed for the Chicago Bears DC job — received his second interview request of the offseason, this one with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The #Jaguars are interviewing Daronte Jones for their defensive coordinator position this morning, per source. Their first interview.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 27, 2025

Daronte Jones, 46, has been working as the Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach for the past two seasons, since Brian Flores was hired. He was not on Ed Donatell’s staff, when the Vikings defense finished 31st in the league in passing yards allowed, but he did hold the same job for Mike Zimmer’s staff back in 2020.

Why are NFL teams interested in Vikings’ DB Coach Daronte Jones?

The 2024 Minnesota Vikings defense gave up a lot of yards (4,114), the fifth most league-wide, in fact. But boy, did this year’s secondary have a nose for the football, intercepting opposing quarterbacks 24 times, which pushed their turnover total up to 33, tied for most in the NFL.

Back to the passing production they allowed, because it warrants closer examination. Yes, the Vikings defense surrendered over 4,100 yards of passing offense in 2024. Much of that, however, had more to do with how good the Vikings were against the run (1,588 yds allowed – 2nd least in NFL) and how often the 14-3 NFC North runner-ups held leads (a lot).

Related: Minnesota Vikings Coaching Staff Remains Untouched… So Far

Those two things combined for a deadly combination that forced opposing offenses into throwing the ball a total of 637 times vs the Vikings. That’s the most pass attempts faced by any defense all season.

And while Daronte Jones’ secondary may have allowed a lot of yards last season, it’s worth noting that big plays were not easy to come by. According to Pro Football Reference, opposing QBs averaged just 6.0 NET yards per pass attempt vs the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, among the best 10 defenses in the league.

Outside of his time in Minnesota, Daronte Jones has been crisscrossing North America since 2010. After injuries and nerve damage ended his collegiate playing career in the late 90’s, the former Temple and Morgan State cornerback turned to coaching.

Daronte Jones coaching history

Per Wikipedia, Jones started out coaching at the high school level (Louisiana 2003-2004) before he got his first collegiate opportunity (2005) at Bowie State University, in his home state of Maryland. He then bounced from UCLA to Hawaii, to Wisconsin, with a CFL stop in between.

Related: Four Pending Free Agents the Vikings Need to Bring Back

Then, in 2016, Daronte Jones took his first job in the NFL as Miami Dolphins assistant defensive backs coach. He also spent two seasons as the Cincinnati Bengals cornerbacks coach, before his time in Minnesota.

Jones has held one defensive coordinator position during his coaching career. He was hired by LSU to be their DC in 2021. It lasted one year. He rejoined the Vikings in 2022, and now here we are.

• Lenoir–Rhyne (2001) – Graduate assistant
• Nicholls State (2002) – Safeties coach
• Franklin HS (LA) (2003) – Defensive coordinator
• Jeanerette HS (LA) (2004) -Cornerbacks coach
• Bowie State (2005–2009) -Assistant head coach & defensive coordinator
• UCLA (2010) – Graduate assistant
• Montreal Alouettes (2011) – Defensive backs coach
• Hawaii (2012–2013) – Secondary coach
• Hawaii (2014) – Assistant head coach & secondary coach
• Wisconsin (2015) – Defensive backs coach
• Miami Dolphins (2016–2017) – Assistant defensive backs coach
• Cincinnati Bengals (2018–2019) – Cornerbacks coach
• Minnesota Vikings (2020) – Defensive backs coach
• LSU (2021) – Defensive coordinator
• Minnesota Vikings (2022) – Defensive backs coach
• Minnesota Vikings (2023–present) – Defensive pass game coordinator