New York Jets Fire Defensive Coordinator Steve Wilkes After Loss
Following a punishing 48-point loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the New York Jets have decided to part ways with defensive coordinator Steve Wilkes with just three games left in the 2025 season.
This decision comes after Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars’ offense exposed what has been one of the NFL’s least effective defenses, allowing an average of 28.4 points per game this season.
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, who is in his first year, announced the change on Monday, despite having previously expressed confidence in Wilkes’ system. Glenn, a former defensive back himself, will be temporarily replaced by Chris Harris, the current defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator.
The timing is interesting, particularly as it follows a week where the Jets had thoroughly dominated the Miami Dolphins, winning by 34 points.
“We felt it was the best decision for the organization right now,” Glenn mentioned. “I’m constantly evaluating players, coaches, and myself. I determined that this change was necessary for our team.”
Wilkes’ recent history hasn’t been particularly stable; he hasn’t lasted more than a year with any team since his time with the Carolina Panthers from 2012 to 2017. He briefly served as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in 2018, concluding with a dismal 3-13 record.
Afterward, Wilkes spent a season as the Cleveland Browns’ defensive coordinator, but again, he didn’t stay long. He took a year off before coaching at Missouri State, then returned to the Panthers in 2022 before moving to the Super Bowl-contending San Francisco 49ers as their defensive coordinator.
It’s somewhat surprising that the 49ers chose to go a different direction after just one year with him, especially as he joined the Jets this season without any coaching experience in 2024. If he hopes to coach again, he’ll likely have to find another opportunity.
For the Jets, the focus this season is about evaluation. They’ve experienced a staggering 15 consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance, marking the longest ongoing drought in professional sports. With Sunday’s defeat, they now sit at 3-11 for the season.
Much is being assessed, including the struggling defense. The absence of key players like Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner, both of whom were traded before the deadline, certainly complicates matters. Their current pace suggests they are on track to allow the second-most points in franchise history.
When it comes to turnovers, which are so crucial in games, the Jets have scored just two points this season and have yet to convert an interception after 14 games—a streak currently unmatched in the NFL.
The Jaguars managed to score on eight of their first nine possessions during their recent game, essentially putting the Jets in a disadvantageous position from the start.
Reflecting on the situation, Glenn noted, “Honestly, I didn’t see any improvements from last week to this week. It just felt like it was time for a change.” He added, “Our aim is continual improvement.”
Looking ahead, the Jets will attempt to gain some momentum in their last three games, starting this Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, who themselves have had a shaky record of 4-10 but have pulled off some surprising victories against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers recently.
New York will finish its season against the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills, both of whom are vying for the AFC East title, but the Jets could act as spoilers in those matchups.
