Earlier this week the New York Jets signed veteran free agent kicker Younghoe Koo. He joins Cade York and Lenny Krieg as kickers on the Jets’ offseason 90-man roster.
Koo immediately becomes the favorite to win the kicking job, but that belief comes with faith in special teams coordinator Chris Banjo.
Koo was a Pro Bowler with the Atlanta Falcons in 2020 and was once regarded among the best kickers in the league. The 31-year-old saw his productivity fall off a cliff in 2025. The Falcons released Koo after just one appearance after he missed a game-tying field goal in Week 1.
Koo later signed with the New York Giants, but his struggles continued. The former Georgia Southern kicker was released after going 4-of-6, including two critical misses against the Washington Commanders in Week 15. Koo then went unsigned until joining the Jets now.
Banjo is in his second season as the Jets’ special teams coordinator. He appeared to do an excellent job in his rookie coordinating season with Jets kicker Nick Folk going an incredible 28-for-29 on field goals.
It’s worth noting Folk has been one of the league’s most consistent kickers, so it’s unclear how much of an impact Banjo’s coaching made.
Banjo has an opportunity to prove his value if he can get Koo back on track.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets trust special teams coach Chris Banjo to revive Younghoe Koo
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