Jets Defensive Coordinator Search: Chris Harris Gets the First Shot, But Could Jim Leonhard Be the Long-Term Answer?
The New York Jets' defensive reset is officially underway. With Steve Wilks out as defensive coordinator, Chris Harris steps in to run the unit for the final three games of the season.
It’s an audition of sorts - not just for Harris, but for a defense that’s seen its fair share of turnover this year. And while Harris will get the first crack at impressing head coach Aaron Glenn, the search for a long-term solution may already be pointing elsewhere.
Enter Jim Leonhard.
A former safety with a quarterback’s brain, Leonhard is a name that resonates with Jets fans. He was part of the last Jets team to make the playoffs and earned a reputation as one of the smartest players on the field. Now, with the DC job up for grabs, his name is being floated as a serious candidate - and for good reason.
But before we dive deeper into Leonhard’s potential fit, let’s take stock of the current state of the Jets, both on and off the field.
News & Notes: Lazard Out, Receiver Room Thins
The Jets and Allen Lazard have officially parted ways. It’s the end of a disappointing run for the wideout, who was signed to a four-year, $44 million deal that never came close to paying off.
Lazard caught just 10 passes this season for 70 yards and a touchdown - and was a healthy scratch in four games. His production in New York totaled 911 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 13 drops over three seasons.
For those keeping score at home, that’s about $342,000 per reception. Not exactly value for money.
With Lazard gone, the Jets are down to five healthy receivers: AD Mitchell, Isaiah Williams, John Metchie III, Tyler Johnson, and Arian Smith. The practice squad options include Trenton Irwin, Jamaal Pritchett, and Quentin Skinner - the latter being the closest physical comp to Lazard. Whether any of them can step up remains to be seen, but opportunity is knocking.
Roster Moves & Injury Implications
The Jets signed linebacker Ochaun Mathis to the practice squad and released quarterback Adrian Martinez - a move that could signal one of Justin Fields or Tyrod Taylor is ready to return. On top of that, safety Jarius Monroe has been promoted to the active roster, while defensive back Jaylen Mahoney joins the practice squad after a stint with the 49ers.
Meanwhile, offensive lineman John Simpson has made it clear he wants to be part of the Jets’ future. “I want to be a part of something here and help build the culture that Coach Glenn is trying to establish,” Simpson said.
“These guys are pretty much my brothers.” Simpson’s comments echo a growing sentiment in the locker room: players are buying into Glenn’s vision.
Sauce Gardner Reacts to Wilks Firing
Sauce Gardner briefly took to social media following the Wilks firing, posting: “Current/former players that Coach Wilks coached knows he’s one of the best/smartest defensive coordinators in the NFL. It’s not always what it seems.”
The post was quickly deleted, but the message was loud enough. Whether it was a show of support or a subtle critique of the decision, it’s clear the locker room had mixed feelings about the move.
Draft Buzz: Jets Eyeing No. 1 Overall?
In a projected blockbuster trade, the Jets are linked to a deal that would send the No. 5 and No. 37 picks, plus future first- and second-rounders, to the Giants in exchange for the No. 1 overall selection. The target?
A Heisman-winning quarterback with a 90.5 PFF grade and 33 touchdown passes on the year - a player drawing comparisons to Jared Goff. That’s notable, considering several Jets coaches previously worked with Goff in Detroit.
If this deal materializes, it could reshape the franchise.
Special Teams & Officiating Frustrations
Rookie kicker Cam Little made a statement in Jacksonville, blasting all nine of his kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks - the most by a Jets opponent since at least 1991. The strategy was clear: neutralize the Jets' return game.
On the other side of the ball, defensive tackle Khalen Saunders voiced his frustration after being ejected for what was deemed “striking an official.” Saunders, who has never been ejected or flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct in seven seasons, didn’t hold back: “Surrounded by opponents, fending folks off me, and here I am ‘striking an official’ lmao gtfo.
Do better. @NFL @NFLOfficiating.”
College Decisions & Draft Declarations
A few notable college players made headlines this week. Arch Manning is returning to Texas for the 2026 season, while Jayden Maiava will spend next year at USC. On the flip side, Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, Tennessee’s Chris Brazzell II, Clemson’s Peter Woods, and Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. have all declared for the NFL Draft.
Jim Leonhard: The Case for a Return to the Jets
Back to the big question: who should lead this defense moving forward?
Chris Harris has a chance to prove he’s the guy, but if the Jets look outside the building, Jim Leonhard is a name that makes a lot of sense. He checks a lot of boxes - former player, cerebral leader, and someone who understands the DNA of this franchise.
Leonhard’s popularity among fans and insiders isn’t just nostalgia-driven. He’s been on the radar for several coaching jobs in recent years and has shown he can command a defense. He’s not just a former Jet - he’s a former Jet who played the game like a coach on the field.
The current Jets defense, even after trading away stars like Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner, still has pieces to build around. Jowon Briggs, Harrison Phillips, Jermaine Johnson, Will McDonald, Jamien Sherwood, and Quincy Williams have all flashed.
Rookies Malachi Moore and AZ Thomas look like they belong. The talent is there.
What’s needed is a coordinator who can bring cohesion, creativity, and accountability.
Chris Harris will get his shot to do just that. But if the Jets want to go big - if they want to bring in someone with a deep understanding of the game and a history with the organization - Jim Leonhard might just be the guy.
The next few weeks will be telling. Not just for Harris, but for the direction of this franchise. And with the offseason looming, the Jets’ next move on defense could be one of their most important yet.