The Jets have fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, Aaron Glenn announced on Monday.
The firing comes less than 24 hours after Gang Green’s defense was manhandled by Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars in a 48-20 loss on Sunday. The defeat dropped New York’s defensive unit to 30th in the league in points allowed under Wilks’ leadership.
Passing game coordinator Chris Harris will be the interim DC, per Glenn. The head coach will assist in those duties through the rest of the season.
“It was a decision I made late last night,” Glenn said, adding that he informed Wilks this morning. “I felt it was best for the organization at this time.”
Wilks lost some key personnel due to trades in the wake of Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams’ departures, but the Jets defense struggled well before those deals were made. The defense still hasn’t recorded a single interception this season, and ranks 20th in passing yards allowed. For all of the Jets’ struggles over the years, defense typically has been the team’s strength, but that unit took a major step back in 2025.
Wilks paid the price in what was Glenn’s first big staffing decision as head coach.