After just 14 games, the New York Jets have made a major shake-up on the defensive side of the ball. Steve Wilks is out as defensive coordinator, and stepping into the role-at least for now-is rising coaching prospect and former All-Pro safety Chris Harris.
It’s a bold move, but one that speaks volumes about the direction head coach Aaron Glenn wants to take this team. The Jets' defense has been one of the league’s biggest letdowns in 2025-struggling with scheme execution, player development, and flat-out production. So, with three games left in a lost season, the Jets are handing the keys to Harris, hoping he can spark something in a unit that’s been stuck in neutral.
A Familiar Face Gets the Nod
This isn’t a random promotion. Harris was already on the Jets’ radar when they were initially filling the coordinator role. Glenn confirmed that Harris interviewed for the job before Wilks was hired, and the impression he left clearly stuck.
“We actually interviewed him ourselves,” Glenn told reporters Wednesday. “And he did a really good job in that interview, so I think he’s more than capable. I think he’s more than ready to step into that role and do a good job.”
That’s not just coach-speak. Harris has been one of the more respected young defensive minds in the league over the past few years.
Before joining the Jets staff, he built a strong résumé coaching defensive backs with the Bears, Commanders, and Titans. His background as a former All-Pro safety has translated into a knack for developing young talent on the back end.
Now, he’s being asked to do more than just coach up the secondary-he’s being handed the entire defense at a time when the group is reeling.
A Defense in Desperate Need of Answers
Let’s not sugarcoat it-the Jets defense has been historically bad in some areas this season. They’ve gone the longest stretch in NFL history without an interception.
That’s not just a stat-it’s a symptom of a deeper issue with how the defense is reading and reacting. Add in the fact that they’ve allowed the third-most points in the league, and it’s clear this isn’t just about missed tackles or busted coverages.
It’s about identity, effort, and cohesion-or the lack thereof.
That’s the challenge Harris inherits. And while no one expects miracles in three games, this is a real opportunity for him to show whether he can elevate the group in the short term-and perhaps earn a shot at the full-time job in 2026.
Players Want Change, Too
One thing working in Harris’ favor? The players know things haven’t been good enough-and they’re not hiding from it.
“Looking forward to see how these guys respond from these two back-to-back performances that weren’t really up to standard,” Glenn said. “The players are not happy with it, and you can tell they’re not, and they should be.
They should be. So, I’m looking forward to seeing how they respond to that.”
That kind of raw honesty from a head coach tells you everything about the mood in the building. This isn’t a team that’s quit-but it is a team that’s frustrated.
Harris’ job now is to channel that frustration into focus and fire. If he can get this group to play with more discipline, more aggression, and a little bit of pride, it could go a long way-not just for his future, but for the team’s trajectory heading into the offseason.
Looking Ahead
At 3-11, the Jets aren’t playing for the postseason. But that doesn’t mean these final three games don’t matter. They’re a proving ground-for Harris, for the players, and for a coaching staff trying to establish a culture that can carry into 2026.
A new voice in the headset might not fix everything overnight. But if Harris can stabilize the defense, show some growth, and get this group flying around like they believe again, it could be the first step in turning the page on what’s been a frustrating year in New York.