Announcement: Jets to Appoint Steve Wilks as Defensive Coordinator
Steve Wilks has agreed to terms to become the New York Jets' new defensive coordinator, joining new head coach Aaron Glenn. This news was reported by multiple media outlets on Wednesday evening.
In 2024, Wilks did not coach in the NFL after serving as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers for one season. He was let go following their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.
Wilks was the head coach for the Arizona Cardinals in 2018, but only lasted one season with a record of 3-13. He also had a brief stint as the interim head coach for the Carolina Panthers in 2022, where he went 6-6.
Before his time as a head coach, Wilks worked as a defensive assistant in the NFL from 2005-2017 for teams such as Washington, Chicago, San Diego, and Carolina. He also served as the defensive coordinator for the Panthers in 2017 and the Cleveland Browns in 2019.
In 2021, Wilks returned to the college coaching scene as the defensive coordinator for Missouri, after previously coaching in college from 1995-2004.
During his introductory press conference on Monday, Glenn stated that he would not be calling defensive plays. He previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions from 2021-2024.
\"I want to be the best head coach you can find,\" said Glenn. \"In order for me to do that, I think I need to manage the game.\"
On Wednesday evening, it was also reported by NFL Network that Glenn has hired Steve Heiden as the new offensive line coach. Heiden previously worked with Glenn in Detroit as the tight ends coach. Additionally, Glenn is expected to bring on Chris Banjo as the special teams coordinator, who most recently served as the assistant special teams coach for the Denver Broncos.
