New York Jets special teams coordinator Chris Banjo is a rising star in the NFL coaching space.
After leading the Jets to a historic special teams season during his first year as a coordinator in 2025, it doesn’t take a genius to realize that the 36-year-old has a bright future as a coach.
That has just been affirmed. Each year, The Athletic releases a “50 under 40” list of rising coaches, executives, and other personnel under 40.
This year, the first coach listed is Banjo.
“Banjo, who played in the NFL for 10 seasons, is viewed by his mentor (and former head coach) Sean Payton as a ‘future head coach’ and was a true bright spot for the Jets last season. His aggressive, well-coached unit finished No. 1 in special teams EPA in 2025,” his section reads.
Banjo’s 2025 special teams unit in New York led the NFL in special teams DVOA (10.3%), the fifth-best mark since the metric began in 1978. With another season like that in 2026, there is no doubt that the former New Orleans Saint could start receiving head coach interviews.
His impact wasn’t felt only by the Jets. During his two seasons as a special teams assistant with the Denver Broncos, the team underwent a drastic turnaround on special teams.
In his first season in the role, the Broncos ranked ninth in DVOA, posting their highest mark since 2001. The trajectory continued in 2024 as they rose to fourth, the team’s highest ranking since 1997.
Then, he carried his special sauce over to Florham Park, and the results quickly followed.
If Sean Payton’s endorsement means anything, it won’t be long until Banjo is leading a team of his own.
