The New York Jets' season hasn't exactly gone according to plan - and that’s putting it lightly. From coaching inconsistencies to underwhelming performances on the field, the organization finds itself once again staring down a long list of problems that need fixing. And now, it looks like the first domino has fallen.
On Monday, the Jets made a significant move by parting ways with defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. While Wilks certainly wasn’t the sole reason for the defense’s struggles, it’s clear someone had to take accountability.
The unit has underperformed all season, and a change at the top of the defensive coaching staff felt inevitable. It’s a tough business, and when expectations aren’t met, seats get hot - fast.
The big question now: who steps in to stabilize this defense and give the Jets a fighting chance to live up to their potential?
One name already generating buzz is Raheem Morris, currently the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. There’s growing speculation that Atlanta could be headed for a full reset this offseason, which would likely put Morris back on the market. And if that happens, he won’t be unemployed for long.
Morris brings a strong résumé and a wealth of experience that could make him an ideal fit for what the Jets need. He served as the Falcons’ defensive coordinator back in 2020 before heading to Los Angeles, where he spent three seasons running the Rams' defense under Sean McVay. That stint included a Super Bowl run and helped re-establish Morris as one of the league’s sharper defensive minds - a reputation that earned him another shot at a head coaching gig.
But it’s not just the X’s and O’s that make Morris an intriguing candidate. He also brings leadership experience from his days as the Buccaneers’ head coach and a presence that commands respect in the locker room - something this Jets team, particularly on defense, could really use.
He’s also known to be close with Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, and the two shared a moment postgame after the Jets’ Week 13 matchup with Atlanta. It’s a small detail, but it speaks to the kind of relationships Morris has across the league.
Now, whether Morris would be the Jets’ top choice is still up for debate. There are other qualified candidates out there, and the team will have options. But if the Jets want someone who’s been in the trenches, knows how to lead a defense, and can bring a steady hand to a unit that’s lost its edge, Morris checks a lot of boxes.
The bottom line is this: the Jets need their defense to be better - significantly better - if they’re going to take the next step. The offense has its own questions, but without a defense that can consistently make stops and set the tone, everything else falls apart. Whoever steps into the coordinator role will be tasked with more than just drawing up blitz packages - they’ll be asked to help reset the culture on that side of the ball.
Raheem Morris might just be the guy to do it.