Aaron Glenn has made the significant decision to dismiss defensive coordinator Steve Wilks just a day after the Jets suffered a staggering 48-20 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Glenn communicated this change during a Monday morning Zoom call with the media, emphasizing that he believed it was a necessary step for the betterment of the organization.
Chris Harris, currently the defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator, will take over as defensive coordinator for the Jets’ final three games, with Glenn assisting him in this transition. “I felt it was the best decision for the organization at this time,” Glenn stated, acknowledging the need for change to rejuvenate the team’s performance.
Glenn had initially hired Wilks due to his extensive experience as both a coordinator and a head coach, but the result did not align with expectations. Under Wilks, the Jets have ranked a dismal 30th in the NFL for points allowed this season and have given up an astonishing 82 points in the last two games alone. The Jaguars’ offensive explosion, scoring on eight of their first nine possessions, highlighted the defensive struggles that ultimately led to Wilks’ departure.
Reflecting on the situation, Glenn said, “Steve’s a really, really good person. He’s a really good coach. I thought it was the best decision for the team.” Despite his reluctance to take play-calling duties away from Wilks, consistent underperformance prompted Glenn to make the change. “I just thought from last week going to this week that the improvement wasn’t there and I thought it was time to make a change,” he explained.
Ultimately, Glenn is positioning the Jets for potential recovery as they strive to improve in the remaining weeks of the season. The hope is that Harris can bring a fresh perspective and energy to the defense, potentially setting the stage for a turnaround as the organization looks to wrap up the season on a more positive note.