The New York Jets are heading into the offseason with a laundry list of problems to fix - and they’re starting with the one that plagued them the most in 2025: the defense.
Let’s not sugarcoat it. The Jets’ defense was among the league’s worst this past season.
They didn’t record a single interception all year - a staggering stat in today’s NFL. That lack of ball-hawking production wasn’t just a blemish; it was a symptom of deeper issues in scheme, execution, and overall talent.
Midway through the season, head coach Aaron Glenn made a tough call, parting ways with defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. It was a bold move in Glenn’s first year at the helm, but one that signaled urgency. Chris - who had been on staff - stepped in as the interim DC, but the results didn’t drastically improve.
Now, the Jets are casting a wide net in their search for a permanent defensive coordinator, and the list of candidates is both extensive and intriguing. They’ve already spoken with Mathieu Araujo, Ephraim Banda, DeMarcus Covington, Daronte Jones, Jim Leonhard, Wink Martindale, Chris Harris, and Jim O’Neil. Each brings something different to the table - from Martindale’s aggressive, blitz-heavy style to Leonhard’s reputation for getting the most out of young secondaries.
Whoever lands the job will inherit a unit that needs a complete reset - not just a new playbook, but a new identity. The Jets aren’t just looking for someone to call plays; they need a culture-changer on that side of the ball.
But defense wasn’t the only side of the ball in disarray. The offense was a revolving door at quarterback, and that instability tanked any chance of building rhythm.
Justin Fields was expected to take a leap, but instead, he lost the starting job to veteran Tyrod Taylor. That didn’t last long, either - eventually, rookie Brady Cook took over and finished the season as QB1.
None of the three could get the offense humming consistently, and that inconsistency left Glenn and his staff grasping for answers. In fairness, the roster didn’t give them much to work with. Between injuries, underperformance, and a lack of top-tier talent, Glenn’s first year as a head coach was an uphill battle from the start.
Now, with the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming draft, the Jets have a real shot to reset the franchise’s trajectory. They’re in prime position to land a game-changer - possibly at quarterback, though that depends on what the Raiders do at No.
- Las Vegas has been linked to Fernando Mendoza, and with Dante Moore returning to Oregon, the Jets’ options may narrow quickly.
Still, the opportunity is there. Whether it’s a quarterback, a defensive cornerstone, or a trade-down to acquire more assets, the Jets can’t afford to miss.
The pieces aren’t all in place yet, but the moves they make this offseason - starting with the defensive coordinator hire - will set the tone for what’s next. After a season full of setbacks, the Jets are staring down a pivotal moment.