Jets Axe Defensive Coordinator Steve Wilks After Historic Defensive Collapse

The New York Jets have fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. Head coach Aaron Glenn made the announcement on Monday. The move follows a disastrous 48-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

This decision ends Wilks’ tenure after just one season. The Jets’ defense has been historically bad, leading to this mid-season shakeup.

Chris Harris Steps In as Interim Play-Caller for Final Three Games

Chris Harris will serve as interim defensive coordinator. He was previously the team’s defensive backs and pass game coordinator. Harris takes over a unit in steep decline.

According to NFL Media reports, the Jets defense ranks among the league’s worst. They are 30th in points allowed per game this season. The team is on pace to allow the second-most points in franchise history.

Harris, a former NFL safety, acknowledged the difficult situation. He stated the defensive failures were a collective responsibility. His immediate task is preparing for a Week 16 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

A Defense in Freefall Prompts Drastic Mid-Season Change

The firing comes after two particularly brutal performances. The Jets surrendered 82 total points in losses to the Miami Dolphins and Jaguars. In the Jacksonville game, the defense allowed touchdowns on eight of the first nine drives.

This collapse marks a stunning reversal. The Jets’ defense was a top-five unit for three consecutive seasons prior to 2025. The current streak of 14 games without an interception ties an unwanted NFL record.

Head coach Aaron Glenn indicated changes would be subtle, not wholesale. He said the players know the existing system too well to overhaul it now. However, he supports Harris adding his own strategic wrinkles for the final stretch.

This late-season coordinator change underscores the Jets’ urgent need to fix a broken defense. The final three games serve as a critical audition for Chris Harris and a search for answers.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: Why was Steve Wilks really fired?

He was fired due to the defense’s severe and consistent underperformance. Giving up 82 points in two weeks was the final catalyst for Head Coach Aaron Glenn.

Q2: Who is new Jets coordinator Chris Harris?

Chris Harris is a 43-year-old former NFL safety. He has coached for multiple teams and was promoted from his role as defensive backs coach.

Q3: How bad is the Jets’ defense this season?

It is one of the NFL’s worst. The unit ranks 30th in points allowed and is on a historic 14-game streak without recording a single interception.

Q4: Will the defensive scheme change now?

Head Coach Aaron Glenn says major system changes are unlikely with only three games left. He expects fine-tuning and new wrinkles from Harris, not a full overhaul.

Q5: What does this mean for the Jets’ future?

These final games are a live audition for Harris. The organization will thoroughly evaluate its defensive direction in the upcoming offseason.