Other Rising Vikings Coach Firmly In Play Elsewhere

All Vikings fans’ eyes are on Brian Flores and his potential departure in the coming weeks for a head-coaching or coordinator role. Unfortunately, until that situation is resolved, head coach Kevin O’Connell cannot hire another coordinator, including in-house promotions.

The result could be that pass-game coordinator Daronte Jones and Flores both depart. Jones is in play as the DC in Dallas. He’ll interview for that promotion on Saturday.

ESPN’s Cowboys reporter Todd Archer broke the news on Friday, “As the Cowboys begin their in-person interviews for the defensive coordinator job, Vikings pass game coordinator Daronte Jones will be at The Star on Saturday, according to a source.”

Jones has been with the Vikings for years, with a one-year stint as the defensive coordinator at LSU mixed in.

ESPN’s Vikings writer Kevin Seifert added about Jones’ interview, “Daronte Jones would be a strong internal candidate to replace Brian Flores as Minnesota’s DC if Flores departs. Until then, however, Jones has been and is still a candidate for other DC jobs around the league.”

While many focus on big-name defensive minds on the market, such as Raheem Morris or Jim Schwartz, Minnesota’s in-house promotion of Jones is possibly the most likely outcome if Flores ends up inking a deal elsewhere.

Alec Lewis of The Athleticwrote Friday about the question of who he thinks would be the internal candidate for the DC gig in the Twin Cities, “The clear internal candidate is Daronte Jones, who has served as the team’s defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach under Flores. Jones, 47, is respected by players. He knows the ins and outs of Flores’ system, and he was LSU’s defensive coordinator in 2021. He also has experience working for Mike Zimmer, Lou Anarumo and Teryl Austin, giving him a deep understanding of different schemes and teaching styles.”

Jones is respected within the building, which is why he has served as an assistant under several defensive captains. His first job with the Vikings was in 2020 when he coached the young DB room under Mike Zimmer. After his season at LSU in 2o21, he returned as the DB coach in 2022, this time under Ed Donatell. Flores retained him in 2023, moving him to defensive pass-game coordinator.

That defensive pass game was shaky in 2023 and 2024, but outstanding in 2025. The Vikings allowed the second-fewest passing yards and touchdowns last season. His unit also ranked 3rd in pass DVOA and 2nd in EPA/dropback.

According to Lewis, Jones aced his interviews in the 2025 offseason: “Last year, Jones interviewed for defensive coordinator positions with the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints. One executive participating in one of those sessions raved about Jones’ interview, saying that he believed Jones would soon become a defensive coordinator.”

He didn’t get one of those jobs and ended up returning to the Vikings.

Cowboys writer David Howman noted that Jones also impressed folks during his virtual interview with the club, “Heard that Daronte Jones was very impressive in his virtual interview. ‘Very prepared, very detailed.’ Background checks the team did all indicated it’s only a matter of time until Jones is talked about as defensive mastermind.”

Unfortunately, there’s not much the Vikings can do at this point if Flores remains their top option for the DC job.

Jones, 47, could depart for Dallas. He also interviewed for the same position with the New York Jets. His exit would be a major blow that could only be eased by Flores’ return.

Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.