In a decisive move following a humiliating defeat, the New York Jets have parted ways with their defensive coordinator. Head coach Aaron Glenn announced the firing of Steve Wilks on Monday, just one day after the team's defense hit a new low in a crushing loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
A Swift Decision After a Disastrous Game
The trigger for this major staffing change was the Jets' performance on Sunday, where they surrendered a staggering 48 points in a 48-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. This defeat pushed the team's dismal season record to 3 wins and 11 losses. Glenn revealed he made the decision late Sunday night and informed reporters via a video call on Monday.
"I felt like it was the best decision for the organization at this time," Glenn stated. He emphasized a continuous evaluation process, saying, "I've said this all along, that I'm evaluating players, I'm evaluating coaches, I'm evaluating myself, and I just felt like this was the best decision for right now, for the team and for this organisation."
Chris Harris Steps Up to Revamp Struggling Defense
To fill the void left by Wilks' departure, Glenn has promoted from within. Chris Harris, who previously served as the defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator, will now step into the role of defensive coordinator. Glenn also confirmed that he will work closely with Harris and assist with play-calling duties in the immediate future.
The move highlights the severe underperformance of the Jets' defense throughout the season. Wilks, who was the first coordinator hired by Glenn after he became head coach in January, oversaw a unit that consistently faltered. Key areas of failure included:
- Poor performance against the run.
- An inability to prevent opponents from scoring.
- A shocking drought where the team failed to record a single interception in its first 14 games.
An Uphill Battle for the Franchise
The defensive woes have compounded an already challenging season for the Jets, who are adjusting to a completely new leadership structure under head coach Aaron Glenn and new general manager Darren Mougey. The team's defensive ranking reflects the struggle, sitting at 20th overall in the league as of Monday. This staffing change signals Glenn's urgency to find solutions and stop the downward spiral before the season concludes.
