The New York Jets have announced a major change on their coaching staff, parting ways with defensive coordinator Steve Wilks following Sunday’s 48-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed the decision Monday morning, with the team now sitting at 3-11 and three games remaining in the season.
The defensive struggles have been a major concern, as New York has allowed an average of 28.4 points per game, ranking 30th in the league. Opponents have gained 337.4 yards per contest, leaving the Jets among the bottom third of NFL defenses.
Secondary coach and defensive passing game coordinator Chris Harris will step in as interim defensive coordinator for the remainder of the season.
Harris played safety in the NFL for eight seasons before transitioning to coaching, holding assistant roles in Chicago, San Diego, Washington, and Tennessee.
Defensive woes and roster changes
The Jets defense has also dealt with significant personnel losses this season, trading away cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to Indianapolis and Dallas, respectively.
Since those moves, the team has surrendered nearly 30 points per game, including 82 points over the last two weeks alone.
Glenn, a former cornerback and defensive coordinator himself, defended Wilks’ system but emphasized the importance of leadership and character.
“I brought Steve Wilks in for a reason, and I want him to run his system,” Glenn said.
“Right now, it’s not about the X’s and O’s. Across the board, it’s about the character of the men on this team. And that’s what I’m evaluating.”
Wilks, 56, has a long coaching history dating back to 1995, including a stint as interim head coach for the Carolina Panthers in 2022.
Despite his experience, the Jets viewed a shake-up as necessary given defensive inconsistencies and upcoming roster changes.
Looking ahead, the Jets have promising draft capital to address defensive needs. With the Colts‘ first-round pick and the Cowboys‘ second-round pick, general manager Darren Mougey has the chance to strengthen the defense.
Potential targets include cornerback Avieon Terrell, linebacker CJ Allen, edge rusher Cashius Howell, or another impact player.
Read the full article here
