In a frustrating season, there is only so much that can be tolerated before a tipping point is reached. Right now, the 2025 New York Jets are not a good football team. Especially with a record of 3-11. However, the team has made some strides on both offense and special teams this season. Unfortunately, the defense has allowed an average of 28.4 points per game, ranking 30th among 32 teams in the league. After a six-touchdown game from Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in a 48-20 loss this Sunday, New York has had enough. Earlier Monday morning, head coach Aaron Glenn announced the team relieved veteran defensive coordinator Steve Wilks of his duties. With three games remaining, the team named defensive backs coach Chris Harris as the interim DC. While Harris will get every opportunity to prove his worth, the Jets will likely see a new face as defensive coordinator in 2026.
Coach Glenn announced he relieved DC Steve Wilks of his duties.
Chris Harris will take over in the interim. pic.twitter.com/WrkStpW3tH
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 15, 2025
Five Candidates to Replace Steve Wilks as Jets DC in 2026
In the offseason, the hiring of Steve Wilks to run the defense made sense on paper. Through his tenure, Wilks has worked on and off in the NFL for 14 seasons. Including experience as a defensive backs coach all the way up to becoming a head coach for the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers. With Aaron Glenn in his first season as a head coach, Wilks experience was meant to ease Glenn’s transition.
Alas, the results spoke for themselves. The Jets ranked 13th in total yards allowed and yards allowed per game. Their run defense was disastrous, allowing the fourth most total rushing yards and rushing yards per game. While they struggled vs the run, there is some hope. Despite trading away Sauce Gardner, the Jets have allowed the 12th fewest passing yards per game. With some of their draft picks, they have a chance to expand on this growth, but need the right defensive coordinator to lead them
1. Denver Broncos Assistant Head Coach Jim Leonhard
One of the preferred candidates for Wilks’ replacement is a familiar face to longtime Jets fans. Between 2009-2011, current Broncos assistant head coach Jim Leonhard started at strong safety for Rex Ryan’s defense. An impressive feat for an undrafted safety from the 2005 draft class.
After retiring, Leonhard began his coaching career in the NCAA at his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin. Leonhard spent six seasons with the Badgers, spending five seasons as their defensive coordinator. In 2022, Leonhard was named the Badgers interim head coach after the firing of Paul Chryst, going 4-3 in that time. Unforuntately, Leonhard was passed over for the full time job after the Badgers hired Luke Fickell to replace him. Today, Leonhard is a valuable piece of the Denver Broncos staff as their passing game coordinator. After spending the past two seasons working under Vance Joseph and Sean Payton, Leonhard is poised to leap into a future as a defensive coordinator.
2. Detroit Lions Defensive Backs Coach Deshea Townsend
Another sought-after name is one Aaron Glenn had overlapped with in Detroit. In 2024, the Lions hired longtime defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend as passing game coordinator. Through his 12 seasons in the league with the Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, Chicago Bears, and Jacksonville Jaguars, the Lions liked Townsend’s experience. Especially after winning two Super Bowls during his 12-year tenure at cornerback with the Pittsburgh Steelers. This year, the Lions have allowed the 13th most rushing yards per game in the league. A reunion between Townsend and Glenn could help the unit in 2026.
3. Chicago Bears Defensive Backs Coach Al Harris
While the run defense is their main weakness, the Jets problems also stem from their lack of turnovers. Through 15 weeks, the New York Jets have yet to record an interception this season. One candidate who can immediately remedy this is Chicago Bears defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator, Al Harris. A former second-team All-Pro at cornerback with the Green Bay Packers, Harris has 12 seasons of coaching experience in the league. This year, the Chicago Bears lead the NFL in interceptions with 21, six more than the second-place Jacksonville Jaguars. The addition of Harris would do wonders for the Jets young secondary.
4. Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris
While more of a pipe dream, a candidate like Raheem Morris would be a great hire to pair with Aaron Glenn. In his second tenure as their head coach, the Atlanta Falcons could move on from Morris during the offseason. Currently, Morris is 13-18 during his second tenure as Falcons head coach. However, this shouldn’t take away from his potential as a defensive coordinator. Through 23 seasons of NFL coaching experience, Morris is a two-time Super Bowl Champion with the 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the 2021 Los Angeles Rams. Despite his experience, Morris is only 49 years old, as well as a New Jersey native. Should he be fired, Morris’ experience would be a massive benefit to pair with Aaron Glenn.
5. Cleveland Browns Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz
If the Cleveland Browns move on from head coach Kevin Stefanski, it could present an interesting opportunity for New York. Should Stefanski be fired, longtime defensive specialist Jim Schwartz could be available. With 32 years of experience in the league, Schwartz is one of the most highly regarded defensive coordinators. During his tenure, Schwartz has done wonders in the trenches. Developing First Team All-Pro talents like Albert Haynesworth, Ndamukong Suh, Marcell Dareus, Mario Williams, Fletcher Cox, and Myles Garrett; Schwartz’s track record speaks for itself. If hired, this could be a great opportunity to reevaluate the development curve for first-round picks Jermaine Johnson II and Will McDonald IV.
Main Photo: [John Jones] – Imagn Images
