Kevin O'Connell's coaching staff continues to be popular and it could have devastating effects
Over the course of the offseason, Kevin O'Connell's coaching staff has been the target for multiple teams across the National Football League. They have been requested 13 different times with one of those being Senior VP of Player Personnel Ryan Grigson for the New York Jets defensive coordinator position. On Thursday, Minnesota Vikings Passing game coordinator/Defensive […]
Over the course of the offseason, Kevin O'Connell's coaching staff has been the target for multiple teams across the National Football League. They have been requested 13 different times with one of those being Senior VP of Player Personnel Ryan Grigson for the New York Jets defensive coordinator position.
On Thursday, Minnesota Vikings Passing game coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach Daronte Jones was requested to interview for the New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator position.
Vikings could use Daronte Jones to New Orleans
This is the third interview of the coaching cycle for Jones, who is in his second stint with the Vikings. He is considered a huge part of the Vikings defensive staff under defensive coordinator Brian Flores, as he has a huge part in defending the passing game.
In his first NFL coaching stint, Jones spent 2016 and 2017 with the Miami Dolphins before becoming the cornerbacks coach for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2018 and 2019. From there, Jones joined Mike Zimmer's staff in 2020 before becoming LSU's defensive coordinator in 2021, but returned to Minnesota when head coach Kevin O'Connell took over. He started as defensive backs coach before earning the title of passing game coordinator in 2023.
Jones has been a huge factor in the development of the Vikings' defensive back room, especially with the safeties. Josh Metellus and Camryn Bynum went from being day three picks to Pro Bowl level players. Pair that with Harrison Smith, who is still the same level of player despite his level of athleticism waiting in his 13th season.
If the Vikings lose Jones, they won't just lose a pivotal member of the coaching staff. They will also lose the presumed replacement for Flores when he eventually gets a head coaching job. Jones is viewed very highly in the building, but returning to the Bayou makes some sense with his history at LSU.
Needless to say, he's a serious candidate.
