The New York Jets are making a major change on the defensive side of the ball. Following a 48-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars - their worst defensive showing of the season - head coach Aaron Glenn announced Monday that defensive coordinator Steve Wilks has been relieved of his duties.
In Wilks’ place, defensive backs coach and pass-game coordinator Chris Harris will step in as the interim defensive coordinator. Glenn made it clear he’ll be hands-on this week as the team preps for a matchup with the New Orleans Saints, helping Harris transition into the expanded role.
“This decision that I made late last night, and I talked to [Wilks] this morning, and I felt like it was the best decision for the organization at this time,” Glenn said. “And I've said this all along, that I'm evaluating players, I'm evaluating coaches, I'm evaluating myself, and I just felt like this was the best decision.”
It’s not hard to see why the move was made. The Jets’ defense has been reeling.
Sunday’s 48-point letdown against Jacksonville was the low point, but it wasn’t an isolated incident. Through the season, New York has been giving up 28.4 points per game - that ranks 30th in the NFL - and they’ve been allowing 337.4 yards per contest.
For a team that came into the year with high expectations on defense, those numbers are hard to ignore.
Wilks, a veteran defensive mind with head coaching experience, was brought in to help stabilize a unit that has struggled with consistency. But the results just haven’t been there. Whether it’s been breakdowns in coverage, missed assignments, or a lack of pressure up front, the defense hasn’t looked like a group capable of carrying its weight - especially with the offense still trying to find its rhythm.
Now, with Harris stepping in, the Jets are looking for a spark. A former NFL safety and respected voice in the locker room, Harris has earned praise for his work with the secondary and his understanding of the modern passing game. He’ll be tasked with tightening up a defense that’s been far too leaky, starting with a Saints offense that, while inconsistent, has enough firepower to do damage if given the chance.
Glenn’s decision underscores a broader message: accountability is running through every level of this organization. And with the season slipping away, the Jets are hoping this shake-up can help them salvage some pride - and maybe even some momentum - as they head into the final stretch.