The New York Jets are finalizing a deal with defensive coordinator Gregg Williams according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Schefter added that Williams was the defensive coordinator that New York was targeting regardless of who they hired as head coach. The Washington Redskins had also pursued the coach but the 'Jets wanted Williams more.'

Many considered former Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph to be a leading candidate for the position due to his relationship with Gase. Joseph landed the defensive coordinator job with the Arizona Cardinals Friday according to reports.

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Williams had previously served as head coach of the Buffalo Bills from 2001-2003. He has also been defensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans/Oilers, Washington Redskins, Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints and St. Louis Rams. The 60 year old was hired in 2017 by head coach Hue Jackson. In March of 2012, Williams was suspended by the NFL for his involvement in a bounty scandal with the Saints.

Here is how his defenses have fared over the last five years:

Williams assumed the responsibility of interim head coach during the second half of the season when Jackson was fired. The team finished with a 5-3 record.

If Williams takes the job with the Jets, it is likely that he would take his son, linebackers coach Blake Williams and other members of the defensive coaching staff as well. The younger Williams served as the de facto defensive coordinator during the second half of the season when his father had been elevated to the interim head coaching role.

The Jets present a lot of intrigue for potential defensive coaches. Safety Jamal Adams is a star in the NFL. Cornerback Trumaine Johnson and defensive lineman Leonard Williams are also on the roster. Beyond those players, they are presented with a lot of flexibility this off-season. New York has the second most projected salary cap space in the NFL at $98,104,238. After going 4-12 this season, the team also brings the No. 3 overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft. The 2019 NFL Draft is loaded with prospective defensive stars.

Williams also has the unique perspective of going from defending the No. 1 overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, quarterback Baker Mayfield, to defending the No. 3 overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, Sam Darnold, in back-to-back years.

Gase has not yet hired an offensive coordinator.