Aaron Glenn’s first season as head coach of the New York Jets has been anything but smooth. After a rough year on the field, Glenn has begun reshaping his coaching staff, parting ways with multiple assistants as he looks to reset things moving forward.
To help stabilize the defense, Glenn is bringing in someone he knows well from his Detroit days. Brian Duker, who previously worked on the Lions’ defensive staff, is expected to become the Jets’ new defensive coordinator, according to several national reports.
Duker most recently spent two seasons with the Miami Dolphins, where he handled duties as pass game coordinator while also coaching defensive backs. His résumé also includes stops with the 49ers, Browns, and Ravens before he joined Dan Campbell’s inaugural Lions staff in 2021. While in Detroit, Duker steadily climbed the ladder—starting as a defensive assistant, then moving into the safeties coach role, and eventually overseeing the entire secondary before departing for Miami.
Glenn and Duker overlapped for three seasons in Detroit, making this reunion a natural fit. It remains to be seen whether Glenn will continue leaning on former Lions colleagues or other familiar league connections as he fills out the rest of his staff. The Jets did explore other Detroit ties, including interviewing Lions defensive assistant Jim O’Neil for the coordinator role, though O’Neil ultimately chose to stay in Detroit after signing a new contract.
On the offensive side, Glenn still has work to do. The Jets are searching for a new offensive coordinator following the dismissal of Tanner Engstrand earlier this week. Additional vacancies remain at quarterback coach, passing game coordinator, linebackers coach, defensive line coach, and several other defensive positions.
Meanwhile, Detroit has already addressed its own offensive coordinator opening by hiring Drew Petzing and bringing in former Giants interim head coach and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka in a senior offensive role. The Lions are still looking to fill one remaining position, as tight ends coach Tyler Roehl recently left to join Iowa State.
