Jets Fire Steve Wilks After Defensive Collapse vs. Jaguars, While Ulbrich Thrives in Atlanta
After giving up a staggering 48 points to the Jaguars in Week 15 - including a jaw-dropping 31 in the first half - the New York Jets finally pulled the plug on defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. The move felt overdue, and it only looks worse when you consider what former Jets DC Jeff Ulbrich is doing down in Atlanta.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t just a bad stretch for the Jets' defense. It’s been historically bad.
Through 15 weeks, Wilks' unit has managed just three takeaways - and one of those came via special teams. No interceptions.
No spark. No signs of life.
The Jets are now on pace to break the NFL record for the fewest takeaways in a single season. That’s not just underperforming - that’s falling off a cliff.
Wilks, who came in with head coaching experience and a solid résumé as a defensive coordinator, never found his footing in New York. After serving as the interim head coach in Carolina, the expectation was that he’d bring structure and toughness to the Jets' defense.
Instead, he lasted less than a full season. And while his departure may have caught some off guard - especially mid-season - the numbers speak for themselves.
Meanwhile, Ulbrich, who left the Jets after a rocky 3-9 stint as interim head coach following Robert Saleh’s firing last year, is quietly building something impressive with the Falcons. Atlanta’s defense ranks second in the league in sacks through 15 weeks - a massive turnaround for a unit that had struggled to generate pressure in recent years.
Ulbrich’s group isn’t just getting after the quarterback - they’re forcing turnovers, too. The Falcons are tied for 11th in takeaways with 17, and they’re getting major contributions from young talent. Rookie third-round pick Xavier Watts leads the team with three interceptions, while linebacker Jalon Walker has shown a knack for punching the ball out and creating chaos.
It’s a stark contrast to what’s happening in New York, where the defense has completely unraveled. Over the last three games alone, the Jets have allowed 109 points - a far cry from the disciplined, aggressive defense they fielded under Ulbrich and Saleh. Instead of taking a step forward, the unit has regressed into one of the league’s worst, currently giving up the third-most points per game.
The Falcons, sitting at 5-9, aren’t lighting up the standings, but Ulbrich’s defense has been a clear bright spot. He’s getting the most out of a young, hungry group. Walker and rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr. have helped revive a pass rush that was dormant for years, while second-year defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus is in the middle of a breakout campaign that could end with his name in the franchise record books.
Ulbrich’s defensive vision is finally taking shape. His emphasis on versatility and modern schemes has breathed new life into Atlanta’s defense - something that had been missing under former DC Jimmy Lake.
There’s still work to be done, but the foundation is solid. And if Ulbrich keeps this up, it wouldn’t be surprising to see his name resurface in future head coaching conversations.
For the Jets, though, it’s back to the drawing board - again.