Chris Harris Takes Over as Jets Interim Defensive Coordinator Amid Season Struggles

The New York Jets have fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. Head coach Aaron Glenn made the announcement on Monday. The team is promoting defensive backs coach Chris Harris to the interim role.

This major change comes after a crushing 48-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Glenn stated he is looking for consistent improvement and structure from his defense over the final three games.

From Player to Play-Caller: Chris Harris’s Football Journey

Chris Harris brings a wealth of football experience. He played eight seasons as an NFL safety from 2005 to 2012. Harris recorded 16 interceptions and earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2010.

His coaching career spans over a decade. He has held positions with the Bears, Chargers, Washington Commanders, and Titans. According to NFL Media, Harris was recently named among “NFL coaches to watch in future years.”

This is his first official NFL coordinator role. He did call plays during preseason games. The Jets interviewed him for their defensive coordinator job last offseason before hiring Wilks.

A Defense in Need of Immediate Repair

Harris faces a significant challenge. The Jets’ defense has severely underperformed this season. The unit ranks 30th in scoring, allowing 28.4 points per game.

Alarmingly, the Jets are the only NFL team without an interception this year. Their three total takeaways are also the league’s worst. These struggles persisted even before the mid-season trades of stars Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner.

The interim coordinator’s task won’t get easier. The Jets finish the season against the Saints, Patriots, and Bills. The Patriots and Bills both feature high-powered offenses.

Chris Harris now has a brief audition to reshape the Jets’ defensive identity. His performance could influence his future and the team’s direction. The final three games will be a critical test for the new interim defensive coordinator.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is Chris Harris?

Chris Harris is a former NFL safety who played eight seasons. He has been an NFL coach for over ten years, most recently as the Jets’ defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator.

Why was Steve Wilks fired?

Head coach Aaron Glenn fired Wilks after a 48-20 loss to the Jaguars. The Jets’ defense ranks near the bottom of the league in several key categories, including points allowed and takeaways.

How has the Jets’ defense performed this season?

The defense ranks 30th in points allowed per game. The unit is also historically bad at creating turnovers, with zero interceptions and only three total takeaways all year.

What did Aaron Glenn say about the change?

Glenn said he wants to see consistent improvement and structure. He emphasized evaluating the team’s culture over the final three games of the season.

What is Chris Harris’s prior coordinating experience?

This is Harris’s first NFL defensive coordinator role. His previous experience includes calling plays during preseason games with the Jets.