The New York Jets’ defensive coordinator search this offseason was wonky, to put it mildly.
Gang Green initially interviewed eight candidates for the job, of whom three were invited to second interviews at the team’s headquarters in Florham Park, NJ.
Brian Duker, whom the team ultimately hired, wasn’t even one of the eight candidates to earn a virtual interview. He was interviewed at the last minute and was ultimately hired less than 24 hours after his meeting with the team.
While Duker made sense for the team’s vacancy, the hiring process was anything but smooth.
The 36-year-old will hold the title of defensive coordinator, but head coach Aaron Glenn, who spent four seasons as the Detroit Lions’ DC, will be the Jets’ play-caller for the 2026 season.
“First and foremost, my role here is to help AG [Glenn] and help put him in great positions where he does a great job calling the game,” Duker reiterated to reporters on Wednesday. “Again, anywhere I can help him be better, that’s what I’m trying to do.”
Duker spent the last two seasons with the Miami Dolphins, serving as their secondary coach and defensive pass-game coordinator. Prior to that, he overlapped with Glenn in Detroit, serving as an assistant on his staff from 2021-23.
Seemingly, Glenn brought Duker in as someone familiar with his scheme to help with player development and game planning each week.
While he may not be the play caller, Duker will play a pivotal role in the Jets’ defensive success this season.
