Another Vikings Coach Is Growing Stronger In Playing Elsewhere
The eyes of all Vikings fans are on Brian Flores and his possible departure in the coming weeks to a coaching or coordinator role. Unfortunately, until that situation is resolved, head coach Kevin O’Connell cannot hire another coordinator, including an internal promotion.
The result could be that passing game coordinator Daronte Jones and Flores are both gone. Jones plays as DC in Dallas. He will have an audition for that promotion on Saturday.
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ESPN’s Cowboys reporter, Todd Archer, reported the news on Friday, “As the Cowboys begin their own discussions about the defensive coordinator job, Vikings game coordinator Daronte Jones will be at The Star on Saturday, according to a source.”
Jones has been with the Vikings for years, with one year as defensive coordinator at LSU in the mix.
September 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach Davonte Jones during the NFL International Series game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Croke Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Photos.
ESPN’s Vikings writer Kevin Seifert added of Jones’ interview, “Daronte Jones will be a solid inside replacement for Brian Flores as Minnesota’s DC if Flores leaves. Until then, however, Jones has been filling in for other DC jobs throughout the division.”
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While many are focused on the concepts of defending the big names on the market, such as Raheem Morris or Jim Schwartz, promoting Jones from within Minnesota may be the most likely outcome if Flores ends up inking a deal elsewhere.
Alec Lewis of Athletic wrote Friday regarding the question of who he thinks will be the insider for the DC gig in the Twin Cities, “The clear insider candidate is Daronte Jones, who served as the team’s defensive passing coordinator and defensive backs coach under Flores. Jones, 47, is respected by the players. He knows the ins and outs of LSU’s coordinator, and he was the defensive passing coordinator and defensive backs coach under Flores. 2021. He also he had experience working for Mike Zimmer, Lou Anarumo and Teryl Austin, giving him a deep understanding of different teaching programs and styles.”
Jones is respected within the structure, which is why he has served as an assistant under several defensive managers. His first stint with the Vikings was in 2020 when he coached the small 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 kept him in 2023, moving him to passing game coordinator.
Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach Daronte Jones watches from the sideline as the defense prepares during the NFC wild card matchup with the Los Angeles Rams, Jan. 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, and the Vikings are hovering in the thick of the postseason. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
That defensive pass game was weak in 2023 and 2024, but was outstanding in 2025. The Vikings allowed fewer passing yards and touchdowns last season. His unit also ranked 3rd in pass DVOA and 2nd in EPA/dropback.
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According to Lewis, Jones conducted his interviews in the 2025 offseason: “Last year, Jones interviewed with the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints.
He didn’t get it in those jobs and ended up going back to the Vikings.
Cowboys writer David Howman noted that Jones also impressed people during his interview with the team, “You heard Daronte Jones was very impressive in his actual interview. ‘He’s very prepared, he’s very detailed.’ The background looks like the team has shown that it’s only a matter of time until Jones is talked about as a defensive genius. “
Unfortunately, there isn’t much the Vikings can do at this point if Flores remains their top option for the DC job.
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Jones, 47, may head to Dallas. He also interviewed for the same position with the New York Jets. His exit would be a huge blow that can only be revealed by the return of Flores.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.
