Teams around the league interviewed Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach Daronte Jones for their vacant defensive coordinator position this year. The New Orleans Saints requested an interview with Jones last week but ultimately hired Brandon Staley for the position on Friday. Staley spent the 2024 season as the San Fransisco 49ers assistant head coach after serving as the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers from 2021-23.
Saints are hiring former Chargers head coach and 49ers assistant Brandon Staley as their defensive coordinator, per me and @JFowlerESPN. Saints HC Kellen Moore and Staley worked together with the Chargers, and now will do the same for the Saints. pic.twitter.com/ITEsTRk3JF
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 21, 2025
This means Jones will return to the Vikings for a fourth consecutive season. Despite the tragic death of Khyree Jackson and a season-ending ACL injury to Mekhi Blackmon, Jones helped the Vikings rank seventh in EPA/pass allowed.
The Vikings had several assistants on their coaching staff who received interviews around the league, but most stayed. None were more important than Brian Flores, who will remain as defensive coordinator for at least one more year.
With Jones returning as well, the Vikings hope continuity will help their defense, which has seen substantial improvement since Flores arrived in 2023. If they can take another step in 2025, the Vikings’ defense could lead a deep playoff run.