For the last few weeks, the New York Jets seemed to be of the belief that Wink Martindale would be the right man for their defensive coordinator role.

The last 48 hours have offered a complete 180-degree turn. Martindale and the Jets do not seem to have progressed on a deal since his second interview, and the team is turning its attention to other candidates.

On Tuesday, New York announced a virtual interview with Miami Dolphins pass game coordinator and secondary coach Brian Duker.

Duker, 36, has never called plays. He spent three years (2021-23) as an assistant under Glenn when the latter was running the defense in Detroit. That familiarity could prove noteworthy moving forward, especially with the latest rumors about who will be calling plays on that side of the ball next season.

Jets’ latest coaching rumors

At the final press conference to conclude the 2025 regular season, Glenn appeared open to the idea of potentially moving into a play-calling role on the defensive side of the ball.

Almost every defensive candidate who has interviewed for the Jets’ defensive coordinator role lacks play-calling experience, only heightening the potential of Glenn calling plays in 2026. If they hire Martindale, though, it does not seem like Glenn would be the play-caller.

Martindale, an experienced NFL coordinator, called plays for top-10 units in the late 2010s with the Baltimore Ravens, although his recent outputs with the New York Giants were far less inspiring. He also spent the last two years leading Michigan’s defense.

But after a second interview with the team over the weekend, and no agreement to be announced, it seems less and less likely Martindale will end up being the guy, for whatever reason.

The announcement of another inexperienced candidate in Duker only enhances the original point: Glenn may be looking to call plays on defense this year.

His mindset may not be totally wrong, either.

Following a 3-14 season that saw almost every player on the roster struggle, Glenn knows he’s walking into a season where he is on the hot seat. He won’t be able to start 0-7 as he did last year.

For a head coach who was partially hired due to his ability to bring in a good staff, it is a bad look that he has already admitted his failure to do just that. Glenn’s potential decision to step in as a play-caller sends the message of a coach who is willing to go down with the ship.

The interview with Duker only enhances that notion.