Jets hire Brian Duker as defensive coordinator

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One day after interviewing Brian Duker, the New York Jets are hiring him as their next defensive coordinator, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday, per sources.

The team later announced Duker’s hire.

Duker, 36, was most recently the passing game coordinator and secondary coach for the Miami Dolphins. He spent time with current Jets coach Aaron Glenn on the Detroit Lions’ coaching staff from 2021-23, when Glenn was defensive coordinator and Duker was a rising assistant.

“During our time in Detroit, Brian consistently demonstrated a high-football acumen and an aggressive approach to defense,” Glenn said in a statement. “I’m confident that his energy and knowledge of the game will help elevate our players and push this team forward.”

The hire comes less than 24 hours after New York announced it had conducted a virtual interview with Duker, the franchise’s ninth candidate for the job. Veteran DC Wink Martindale was among the most notable names linked to the vacancy.

New York parted ways with offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand on Tuesday, further shaking up a coaching staff in disarray.

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Duker replaces veteran coach Steve Wilks, who was fired on Dec. 15 after the Jets fell to 3-11. Chris Harris took over as interim DC and was interviewed for the full-time position.

In New York, Duker will be a first-time defensive coordinator, but he is not expected to call plays. Glenn is reported to have told DC candidates recently that he intends to take over defensive play-calling.

With Duker as an assistant under Anthony Weaver, the Dolphins ranked 24th in points allowed, 22nd in yards allowed and 18th in passing defense in 2025. Those rankings are better off than the beleaguered Jets, who ranked 31st in points allowed, 25th in yards allowed and 17th in passing defense. New York surrendered the most passing touchdowns (36) and recorded a record zero interceptions in 2025.

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