The New York Jets made a significant move on Monday, with the team parting ways with defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.
The announcement was made by head coach Aaron Glenn on Monday morning and comes after the Jets allowed a whopping 48 points to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
"I thought it was time to make a change. I'm going to make the decision that's best for this organization at all times," Glenn said of the decision to fire Wilks.
That doesn't offer much insight into specifically why Wilks was cut loose, so let's dive a bit deeper.
Why Jets fired Steve Wilks
New York's defense has taken a step back this season, so the 48 points given up to the Jags in Week 15 wasn't the sole reason for Wilks' firing, it was just the last straw.
Some might point to the trades of cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams in their defense of Wilks, but the Jets were giving up 27.6 points per game even before those trades.
Wilks did nothing to elevate a Jets defense that hasn't even recorded an interception yet this season.
If there is one logical defense of Wilks, it's the fact that the defense's job was made much harder by the offense's inability to sustain drives and give the unit a breather.
However, clearly that wasn't enough to save Wilks' job.
Who is replacing Steve Wilks?
Glenn announced that defensive backs coach and passing-game coordinator Chris Harris will take over as the interim defensive coordinator for the final three games.
Harris has 12 years of experience as a coach and was even a candidate for the Jets' defensive coordinator job after Glenn was hired.
Before coming to the Jets, Harris worked as the Tennessee Titans' passing-game coordinator and cornerbacks coach. Prior to that, he was the Washington Commanders' defensive backs coach.
If all goes well over these final three games, it's conceivable that Harris could stay in the job in 2026, as he has a longstanding relationship with Glenn.
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