Minnesota Vikings Coach Daronte Jones in High Demand

The Minnesota Vikings are navigating an eventful offseason, with multiple coaches receiving interest for promotions across the NFL. On Monday morning, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Daronte Jones will be interviewing with the Jacksonville Jaguars for their defensive coordinator position.

Daronte Jones’ Interview with the Jaguars

This marks Jones’ second interview for a defensive coordinator role this offseason. He previously met with the Chicago Bears, though that position ultimately went to former New Orleans Saints head coach and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Now, the Jaguars are exploring the possibility of bringing Jones in to lead their defense.

A Coaching Career Built on Experience

Jones, 46, has an extensive coaching résumé that spans over two decades. After graduating from Morgan State University, he began his coaching career in 2001 and spent significant time in the college ranks before making his mark in professional football. In 2011, he had a brief stint in the Canadian Football League with the Montreal Alouettes before transitioning to the NFL.

His first NFL opportunity came with the Miami Dolphins, where he coached from 2016 to 2017. He later took on the role of cornerbacks coach for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2018 and 2019 before joining Mike Zimmer’s staff in Minnesota in 2020. In 2021, he accepted a position as LSU’s defensive coordinator but returned to the Vikings when Kevin O’Connell became head coach. Since then, he has steadily risen through the ranks, taking on the title of passing game coordinator in 2023.

A Key Factor in Minnesota’s Defensive Success

Jones has played a crucial role in developing the Vikings’ defensive backfield, particularly the safety group. Under his guidance, Josh Metellus and Camryn Bynum have emerged from late-round draft picks into Pro Bowl-caliber players. Meanwhile, veteran Harrison Smith continues to perform at an elite level even as he enters his 13th NFL season.

His impact on the team’s defense has not gone unnoticed, and his potential departure would be a significant loss for the Vikings.

The Importance of Retaining Jones

Keeping Jones in Minnesota is critical for the Vikings, especially with the uncertainty surrounding defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ future. Flores is a strong candidate for a head coaching job in the near future, and Jones is well-positioned to take over as defensive coordinator if that opportunity arises. If the Vikings want to maintain stability on the defensive side of the ball, retaining Jones should be a top priority.

More Coaching Movement in Jacksonville

The Jaguars are also conducting interviews for their offensive coordinator position, recently meeting with offensive assistant Grant Udinski. With Trevor Lawrence at quarterback, Jacksonville is looking to assemble a strong coaching staff that can maximize the team’s potential on both sides of the ball.

As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Jones and whether he remains in Minnesota or takes the next step in his coaching career.