The Chicago Bears are making moves to improve their defense, and one of the names that's come up for their defensive coordinator position is Daronte Jones, the Minnesota Vikings' defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Bears have officially requested an interview with Jones for the job, marking him as the second candidate to get the opportunity, alongside Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant.
Let’s break down why Jones is a noteworthy candidate for this role. His coaching career has been a steady climb, starting from the college ranks and even high school, before breaking into the NFL with the Miami Dolphins in 2016. Jones’ first role in Miami was as an assistant defensive backs coach, a position that allowed him to hone his skills and start making his mark in the league. His focus has always been on the secondary, a crucial part of any defense, especially in today’s NFL where the passing game is at the forefront of offenses.
What’s exciting here is Jones’ experience coaching elite defensive backs. He’s worked with some of the best in the game, including Pro Bowlers like Xavien Howard, Jesse Bates III, Harrison Smith, and Stephon Gilmore. These are players who are not only known for their individual brilliance but have also played a significant role in transforming the defenses they've been a part of. Under Jones’ leadership, the Vikings defense saw a major improvement in its ability to create turnovers. In 2024, the team led the NFL with 24 interceptions—a stat that showcases how well Jones has been able to develop his defensive backs into playmakers.
Before his current role with the Vikings, Jones spent two seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2018 to 2019, where he coached cornerbacks. His time in Cincinnati further bolstered his reputation as a rising star in defensive coaching. In 2021, he made a brief stop at LSU, where he continued to build his expertise before returning to the NFL. When he rejoined the Minnesota Vikings, it wasn’t just as a defensive backs coach. Jones took on the additional responsibility of passing game coordinator in 2023, another sign of how much trust the Vikings have in his coaching abilities.
Now, with the Chicago Bears eyeing him for their defensive coordinator vacancy, Jones has a golden opportunity to elevate his career even further. The Bears are looking for a leader who can bring a new level of intensity to their defense, and Jones’ track record—especially in developing a turnover-happy secondary—makes him a strong contender for the job. But he’s not the only one in the running.
Aubrey Pleasant, who currently serves as the passing game coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, is also on the Bears’ radar. Pleasant brings his own wealth of experience, and his ability to work with defensive backs and passing games could make him a solid fit for Chicago as well. What’s interesting is that both Pleasant and Jones have shown strong track records of success, particularly in the area of creating interceptions and improving the overall defense.
In addition to Pleasant and Jones, the Bears are considering other potential candidates for their defensive coordinator role, including Dennis Allen, the former head coach of the New Orleans Saints. Allen, a seasoned coach with a wealth of experience running defenses, could offer a different style and approach compared to Jones or Pleasant. But what’s clear is that the Bears are putting a lot of thought into this decision and are looking for a coach who can bring fresh energy to their defense and help them become a more competitive team.
One thing that stands out about Jones is his ability to adapt and learn in different environments. His journey from high school and college football to the NFL shows his commitment to growth and development. He’s not someone who has stayed static in his career; rather, he’s been able to learn from different coaching staffs and players, which has undoubtedly enhanced his own coaching philosophy. His success at various stops—Miami, Cincinnati, Minnesota, and even LSU—illustrates his versatility and ability to thrive in different settings. This could make him an especially attractive choice for the Bears, who are looking to make a fresh start and improve their defense.
If Jones does get the opportunity to take on the defensive coordinator role with the Bears, he’ll have his work cut out for him. The Bears have some promising pieces on their defense, but they’ve struggled in recent seasons to put everything together. Jones’ experience coaching a secondary that can generate turnovers will be invaluable for a team that needs to improve its overall defensive play. If he can bring the same level of success he had with the Vikings in terms of interceptions and playmaking, he could be just the coach to help the Bears make a major leap forward.
The role of defensive coordinator is one of the most important positions on any NFL team, and the Bears are clearly looking for someone who can lead their defense with a clear vision and a winning strategy. Jones has shown time and time again that he has the skills to develop top-tier defensive backs and orchestrate a secondary that can take over games. His ability to work with Pro Bowl-caliber players and his proven track record of success makes him a highly attractive candidate.
As the Bears continue their search, it will be interesting to see how the interview process plays out. Jones’ name is certainly one to watch, as his rise through the coaching ranks has been impressive, and this opportunity could be the next step in what could be a long and successful career in the NFL. Whether or not Jones becomes the next defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—he has the experience, the success, and the knowledge to make a big impact on any defense he coaches.
The competition for the defensive coordinator role is heating up, and the Bears are weighing their options carefully. Jones, along with Pleasant and Allen, will undoubtedly bring their own unique strengths to the table, and it will be fascinating to see who ultimately gets the chance to shape the future of Chicago’s defense. One thing is for sure—this is a high-stakes decision for the Bears, and the right choice could make all the difference in turning their defense into a powerhouse.
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