The New York Jets appear to be approaching the finish line in their search for a new defensive coordinator, with former NFL assistant Wink Martindale emerging as the presumed favorite to join Aaron Glenn's staff. However, in the unpredictable world of professional football, assumptions can be dangerous, and contracts remain unsigned for a reason.
As of now, three days have elapsed since Martindale's in-person visit with the organization last Friday, yet no official announcement has materialized. This delay, however brief, leaves the door ajar for alternative candidates. Among those alternatives, one name stands out as particularly intriguing to the Jets faithful: Jim Leonhard.
Leonhard, who currently serves as the Denver Broncos' assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator, interviewed with the Jets earlier this month. At that time, his candidacy seemed more aspirational than realistic—a true pipe dream for a franchise hoping to land one of the league's most promising coaching prospects. The former Jets safety, beloved by fans for his playing days in New York, has rapidly ascended coaching circles and was widely expected to attract interest from multiple suitors.
Indeed, initial speculation suggested Leonhard would have his pick of destinations. The Green Bay Packers, seeking defensive leadership after their postseason disappointment, brought him in for discussions. Many viewed Wisconsin as an ideal landing spot for the former Badgers standout. Meanwhile, the New York Giants, Leonhard's hometown team, were rumored to be pursuing him aggressively before reportedly committing to Dennard Wilson on Sunday.
Yet the coaching carousel spins unpredictably. The Packers, unwilling to wait through Denver's playoff run, moved swiftly to secure former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon, officially removing themselves from the Leonhard sweepstakes over the weekend. The Giants' decision to hire Wilson eliminated another logical destination. In a matter of days, the two most frequently mentioned alternatives to the Jets vanished.
The calculus changed dramatically on Saturday when the Broncos fell to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round, ending Denver's postseason journey. This defeat, while disappointing for Broncos fans, fundamentally altered Leonhard's availability. No longer constrained by playoff preparation and game-planning responsibilities, he is now free to engage in substantive, in-person negotiations with interested teams.
This newfound accessibility arrives at a critical moment. While several defensive coordinator positions remain unfilled across the league—including openings with the San Francisco 49ers, Washington Commanders, Miami Dolphins, and Baltimore Ravens—none of those organizations has formally interviewed Leonhard to date. The Jets, therefore, find themselves in a unique position: they have already established a relationship with the candidate and can now pursue him without competition from the teams previously considered most likely to land him.
Nevertheless, significant obstacles remain. The Jets' defensive coordinator role carries substantial baggage, primarily stemming from uncertainty surrounding Aaron Glenn's job security. Multiple assistant coaches have reportedly declined interview opportunities with New York this offseason, allegedly warned about joining what some perceive as a lame-duck staff. This perception, whether fair or not, has complicated the Jets' efforts to build their coaching infrastructure.
Where Leonhard stands on this concern remains unknown. His willingness to interview with the organization initially suggests at least some level of interest, but interest and commitment represent vastly different commitments. He must weigh the appeal of returning to New York, where he enjoyed four productive seasons as a player, against the potential instability of the current regime.
Additionally, Leonhard could simply choose to remain in Denver. As assistant head coach, he holds a position of significant responsibility and influence. The Broncos' defense showed marked improvement under his guidance, and head coach Sean Payton values his contributions highly. Stability, familiarity, and continued growth within a winning culture might prove more attractive than a lateral move to a situation fraught with question marks.
The market dynamics also merit consideration. While the 49ers, Commanders, Dolphins, and Ravens have yet to interview Leonhard, that could change quickly now that he's available. Each of those organizations offers intriguing possibilities, from San Francisco's championship-caliber roster to Miami's offensive firepower and the defensive tradition in Baltimore. The Jets cannot assume they have a clear path to Leonhard simply because their primary competitors have bowed out.
Financial factors will inevitably play a role as well. The Jets have invested heavily in their roster, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, and may be prepared to offer a competitive compensation package. However, other organizations with deeper pockets or more attractive tax situations could outbid them if a bidding war emerges.
From a strategic standpoint, Leonhard's scheme and philosophy would represent a fascinating fit for the Jets' personnel. His emphasis on versatile, intelligent defenders who can disguise coverages and generate turnovers aligns well with New York's current roster construction. The opportunity to work with a defense featuring elite talent at all three levels, including standouts like Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, could be professionally rewarding, regardless of the broader organizational uncertainty.
For Jets fans, the possibility of Leonhard's return evokes powerful nostalgia. His playing career in New York, though interrupted by injuries, exemplified the grit and determination that defined some of the franchise's better defensive units. Bringing him back as a coordinator would represent a full-circle moment, connecting the organization's past success with its future aspirations.
The timeline now becomes critical. With the Senior Bowl approaching and offseason programs beginning in earnest, teams prefer to have their coaching staffs finalized. The Jets' delay in announcing Martindale's hiring, whether due to contract negotiations or renewed interest in other candidates, creates a window of opportunity that won't remain open indefinitely.
Leonhard's decision-making process will likely involve multiple factors beyond simple job title and compensation. He must evaluate the Jets' roster talent, the stability of the front office, his potential working relationship with Glenn, and the long-term vision for the organization. The presence of young, cornerstone players could be enticing, as could the opportunity to prove himself in the nation's largest media market.
Meanwhile, the Jets' front office faces its own calculations. While Martindale represents a safe, experienced choice with a proven track record, Leonhard offers higher upside and a connection to the fanbase that could generate significant goodwill. The risk-reward analysis becomes complex when weighing a known commodity against a rising star.
The broader context of the Jets' recent history adds another layer of complexity. Years of dysfunction and disappointment have created a skeptical fanbase desperate for competence and continuity. Hiring a beloved former player who has demonstrated coaching acumen could help rebuild trust, even if the on-field results take time to materialize.
As the situation continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: what once seemed like a fanciful notion now possesses genuine possibility. The convergence of Leonhard's availability, the elimination of competing suitors, and the Jets' continued vacancy has created unexpected momentum. While challenges and uncertainties persist, the dream scenario that felt impossible just days ago now sits within the realm of possibility.
The coming days will prove decisive. Will the Jets accelerate their pursuit of Leonhard now that he's available? Will other teams enter the fray and complicate matters? Or will Martindale's presumed hiring finally become official, closing this chapter entirely? For now, Jets fans can cling to hope that their pipe dream might just become reality.