The New York Jets have recently finalized a virtual interview with Brian Duker for the defensive coordinator role. This interview adds to a list of eight candidates who also completed first-round virtual interviews earlier in the month.
Brian Duker, age 36, brings recent experience from the Miami Dolphins, where he served as pass game coordinator and secondary coach for two seasons. Before joining Miami, he spent three years with the Detroit Lions under head coach Aaron Glenn. There, Duker held multiple roles including defensive backs coach in 2023 and safeties coach in 2022.
While with the Lions, Duker notably worked with standout rookie Kerby Joseph. Joseph achieved a rare NFL feat by recording at least four interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in a season — the first rookie to do so since 2005. This success showcases Duker’s ability to develop emerging defensive talent.
From 2018 to 2020, Duker was part of the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive staff. His positions included defensive staff assistant, coaching analyst, and defensive coaching analyst across those seasons. Duker’s NFL career began earlier, with roles such as defensive intern for the Cleveland Browns in 2015 and defensive analyst for the San Francisco 49ers in 2016.
At the collegiate level, Duker held graduate assistant positions focusing on recruiting and defensive quality control at Missouri from 2013 to 2014. Prior to that, he was a defensive graduate assistant at Bryant University in 2011, marking the start of his coaching journey.
Other candidates who completed interviews for the Jets’ defensive coordinator position include Mathieu Araujo, Ephraim Banda, DeMarcus Covington, Daronte Jones, Jim Leonhard, Wink Martindale, Chris Harris, and Jim O’Neil. The Jets’ management is currently evaluating the finalist pool to determine the best fit for the team’s defensive leadership.
This comprehensive search highlights the Jets’ commitment to improving their defense by exploring a diverse range of coaching expertise. The final decision on the new defensive coordinator is expected to align with the organization’s strategic goals heading into the upcoming NFL season.
Read more at: www.newyorkjets.com
