Jets learning harsh truth about DC search as coaches reject Aaron Glenn

The New York Jets entered their defensive coordinator search hoping the presence of Aaron Glenn and his leaguewide connections would make the job more attractive. Instead, they’ve already run into a sobering reality.

SNY's Connor Hughes reported on a recent edition of Jets Final Drive that the Jets reached out to two high-profile defensive coordinator candidates early in the process, and both declined interest in working with the team and Glenn.

It didn’t stop there, either. The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt went on to add that more than just those two candidates have quietly passed on even taking an interview with the team. This shouldn't come as some massive surprise.

The Jets’ defensive coordinator opening does not appear to be viewed as particularly attractive around the league, with Glenn’s uncertain future in New York and an overall lack of proven defensive talent making the job a tough sell for prospective candidates.

As it turns out, the Jets weren't even able to get many of their top candidates in the building for an interview, just as many suspected.

Multiple coaches rejected an interview with Aaron Glenn and the Jets

The Jets announced their list of eight defensive coordinator candidates last Friday, a group headlined by the likes of Wink Martindale, Jim Leonhard, and Daronte Jones. Among that group, Leonhard — and to a lesser extent Jones — appear to be the only candidates in significant demand around the league.

Leonhard is not seen as a serious candidate for the Jets' job and is expected to have better offers elsewhere. Jones may be seen as the most high-profile realistic candidate, but as the days have gone on, Martindale has emerged as the most likely target.

The veteran NFL assistant enjoyed success as the defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens and had flashes with the New York Giants, but it’s been several years since he led a truly top-tier defense at the NFL level. There’s a reason Martindale has only drawn interest from the Jets this cycle.

The reality of the Jets’ situation is that a candidate like Martindale may be the best option available, unless they choose to gamble on a very young and unproven coach like Ephraim Banda or hire an even less appealing retread like Jim O'Neil.

Top candidates such as new Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker or highly-touted Chicago Bears assistant Al Harris were simply never realistic targets for the Jets. The same is likely true for Leonhard, even though he did ultimately interview for the job.

The Jets may not be able to land their first, second, or even third choice for their defensive coordinator position, but that doesn't mean they can't still make a promising hire. It does mean, however, that their search has been more challenging than many likely hoped it would be.