Steve Wilks, NFL
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Longtime NFL defensive coordinator Steve Wilks reacting in the middle of an NFL game.
There are many reasons the New York Jets are 2-8. The defense falling apart is certainly one of the main reasons.
NFL Insider Connor Hughes of SNY said to keep an eye on the job security of Jets defensive coordinator Steve Wilks as we approach the end of the 2025 season.
“I think there is a reason that he has been pretty much one-and-done in a lot of other places. That is a name to keep an eye on. I think when the season ends that is one to watch because if the Jets are going to make changes and Woody [Johnson] is going to demand changes, I don’t think it’s going to be Tanner Engstrand, I think it could be Steve Wilks where they step in and say we want a new voice on defense and I wouldn’t disagree with it at all,” Hughes explained on “Jets Final Drive.”
Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic added, “I have a lot of concerns about the future of this defense, and honestly, the person calling the plays on defense, I have some concerns about.”
The Jets’ Defense Has Completely Collapsed
Gang Green’s production level, or lack thereof, is telling.
Through the first 10 games of the season, the Jets rank 19th in yards allowed (329.7 per game), 23rd in rushing yards allowed (130.9 per game), and 26th in points allowed (26.8 per game), per ESPN.
“Through 10 games of the 2025 regular season, the New York Jets are closing in on an unwanted milestone in NFL history. The Jets have recorded just one takeaway all season, a lone forced fumble during their international game against the Broncos, and remain without an interception. That drought ties them with the 2017 Raiders for the longest to start a season. If they fail to snag one next week against the Baltimore Ravens, the Jets will stand alone at the top of that dubious list,” according to the Pro Football Network.
The Jets are the only team in the NFL that hasn’t had an interception this season.
Wilks Has Become a Coaching Nomad Throughout His Career
The veteran coach has been a one-and-done 10 times during his 30-year career. He has never stayed in one place too long. The longest stint he has ever spent with the same team was with the Carolina Panthers for six consecutive seasons from 2012 through 2017.
Coach Glenn Has Been Through This Before
Aaron Glenn is not Dan Campbell. However, they were together in Detroit. After Campbell’s first season, he kept Glenn as his defensive coordinator, but he fired former Jets coach Anthony Lynn as his offensive coordinator.
Campbell then hired rising star Ben Johnson as his new OC, and it worked out beautifully. Glenn was there to see how that worked out. He could take a page out of his old boss’s playbook when making the key decisions with his staff.
Interestingly, both Lynn and Wilks were former NFL head coaches whom Campbell and Glenn brought to their staff. Their prior experience in those roles was a valuable asset that both coaches leaned on.