Saints Coach Kellen Moore on the Hunt for a Defensive Coordinator
Saints head coach Kellen Moore is gearing up to make a crucial hire for the 2024 season: finding the right defensive coordinator. The task is pivotal as it will shape the defensive strategy and performance of the team. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, one of the top candidates on the radar is Daronte Jones, the pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach for the Vikings. The Saints are scheduled to interview Jones on Saturday, marking a significant step in their search for the ideal candidate.
Background on Daronte Jones
Daronte Jones, 46, has an impressive and evolving coaching career that spans over two decades. His journey began in 2001, when he started his coaching path at the collegiate level. Jones’s dedication and expertise eventually caught the attention of the NFL, and he landed his first professional coaching job in 2016. His ascent in the coaching ranks is a testament to his relentless work ethic and strategic acumen. Over the years, Jones has honed his skills and built a reputation as a competent and innovative coach.
Jones’s NFL Experience
Jones’s NFL career took a significant turn when he joined the Vikings in 2020 as the defensive backs coach. This role allowed him to work closely with some of the league’s top defensive talent and refine his coaching techniques. His stint at the Vikings was marked by notable improvements in the team’s secondary, which played a crucial role in the team’s overall defensive performance. Jones’s ability to develop and mentor young talent was particularly noteworthy, earning him respect from both players and colleagues.
The LSU Tenure
In 2021, Jones took on a new challenge by becoming the defensive coordinator at LSU. This move to college football provided him with the opportunity to influence the next generation of NFL players. At LSU, Jones implemented a defensive system that emphasized versatility and adaptability, key qualities that are highly valued in modern football. His tenure at LSU further solidified his reputation as a coach who can adapt to different environments and excel in various roles.
Back to the Vikings
Jones returned to the Vikings in 2022 as part of Kevin O’Connell’s initial coaching staff. This return to the NFL was a logical progression in his career. In 2023, his responsibilities were expanded, and he was named the pass game coordinator in addition to his defensive backs coaching duties. This dual role highlighted the trust and confidence the Vikings coaching staff had in Jones’s abilities. His expanded responsibilities allowed him to have a more significant impact on the team’s defensive strategy, further enhancing his credentials as a top candidate for the Saints’ defensive coordinator position.
Interviewing for the Saints
Jones has already made waves in the coaching community, having interviewed for the defensive coordinator position with the Bears and Jaguars earlier in the current cycle. These interviews underscore his growing reputation and the demand for his expertise. The Saints’ interest in Jones is a clear indication that they value his experience, strategic thinking, and leadership qualities. As the interview process unfolds, the Saints will be evaluating Jones’s fit with the team’s culture and vision for the future. If selected, Jones has the potential to bring a fresh perspective and dynamic approach to the Saints’ defensive unit, setting the stage for a promising 2024 season.
