The Detroit Lions could be facing another offseason coaching shakeup, as New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn continues to assemble his defensive staff.

According to reports, Lions defensive assistant and safeties coach Jim O’Neil has earned an interview for the Jets’ vacant defensive coordinator position, making him a potential poaching candidate from Detroit.

Jets Complete Initial Round of Defensive Coordinator Interviews

The New York Jets have wrapped up a round of interviews to replace Steve Wilks, who was dismissed before the end of Glenn’s first season as head coach.

O’Neil is among a competitive list of candidates, which also includes:

Wink Martindale, Michigan defensive coordinator

Jim Leonhard, Broncos assistant head coach & defensive pass game coordinator

Mathieu Araujo, Dolphins cornerbacks coach

DeMarcus Covington, Packers defensive line coach

Ephraim Banda, Browns safeties coach

Chris Harris, Jets defensive backs coach & interim defensive coordinator

Daronte Jones, Vikings defensive pass game coordinator

Strong Jets Ties and Proven NFL Track Record

According to the Detroit Lions’ official website, O’Neil began his NFL coaching career with the New York Jets, spending four seasons with the organization from 2009–2012.

During that stretch, the Jets defense ranked:

1st in opponent passer rating (71.0)

1st in completion percentage allowed (52.6%)

1st in passing yards allowed per game (186.3)

2nd in total yards allowed per game (294.8)

The unit finished in the top 10 in passing defense every season, including a league-best 153.7 passing yards per game in 2009.

Under O’Neil’s watch, Darrelle Revis thrived, while Antonio Cromartie and LaRon Landry earned Pro Bowl selections.

Development of Depth Key to O’Neil’s Value in Detroit

O’Neil’s impact in Detroit has been especially notable during the injury-plagued 2025 season, when safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph both missed significant time.

Despite those setbacks, Detroit’s backup safeties continued to perform at a high level—something O’Neil credits to a long-standing coaching philosophy.

“You’re not going to be evaluated by your starters. You’re going to be evaluated by how your backups play,” O’Neil said.

“We’ve been decimated at every level of the defense, but guys have stepped up and played at a high level.”

Extensive Coordinator Experience Could Attract Jets

O’Neil just completed his second season with the Lions, but his résumé includes significant coordinator experience:

Northwestern defensive coordinator (2021–22)

Las Vegas Raiders defensive assistant (2018–20)

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator (2016)

Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator (2014–15)

With deep Jets ties, proven defensive success, and a reputation for developing depth, O’Neil could be a strong fit for Glenn’s new regime—potentially leaving Detroit with another key offseason hole to fill.