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A familiar face in Detroit’s defensive meeting room could soon be headed back to New York.
Detroit Lions defensive assistant and safeties coach Jim O’Neil has reportedly interviewed for the New York Jets’ vacant defensive coordinator job, a move that would reunite him with former Lions defensive coordinator and current Jets head coach Aaron Glenn.
The Jets began a wide search after parting ways with Steve Wilks during the 2025 season, and O’Neil is one of eight candidates they have spoken with as they look to reshape their defensive identity.
A Trusted Voice in Detroit’s Secondary
Although O’Neil has only been with the Lions since 2024, his impact has been significant. He worked closely with one of the strongest position groups on the roster, helping guide the continued rise of All-Pro Kerby Joseph and Pro Bowl defensive back Brian Branch.
Detroit’s safety play has been a stabilizing force for a defense that leaned heavily on young talent, and O’Neil’s teaching, scheme versatility, and experience have been widely praised inside the building.
The Aaron Glenn Connection
The potential move makes even more sense when you consider the history.
O’Neil overlapped with Aaron Glenn during Glenn’s final season as Detroit’s defensive coordinator before he took the Jets’ head coaching job. Glenn is now assembling his first full staff in New York, and familiarity, trust, and shared defensive philosophy often play a major role in those decisions.
Bringing in O’Neil would give Glenn a coordinator who:
- Knows his system
- Has developed elite young defensive backs
- Has coordinator experience at both the NFL and college levels
- Has already led multiple defensive rooms
A Long, Well-Traveled Coaching Résumé
O’Neil’s coaching background spans more than two decades and includes:
- NFL coordinator stints with the Browns, 49ers, and Northwestern
- Defensive backs development with the Jets and Raiders
- Linebacker coaching with the Bills
- Extensive experience in both college and pro defensive systems
That résumé, combined with recent success in Detroit, makes him a logical candidate for a Jets team looking to rebuild its defensive identity under Glenn.
What It Would Mean for the Lions
If O’Neil were to land the job, it would be another example of the Lions’ staff becoming a pipeline for league-wide promotions, a sign of respect for the culture Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes have built.
It would also mean Detroit would need to replace one of the key voices in its secondary room, particularly for Branch and Joseph, who have flourished under his guidance.
For now, it’s only an interview. But the connection, the timing, and the trust between O’Neil and Glenn make this one worth watching closely as the Jets continue their search for a new defensive coordinator.
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Don Drysdale
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