The New York Jets have hired Steve Wilks as their new defensive coordinator, according to a source who spoke on Wednesday.
Wilks is the first coordinator hired by new head coach Aaron Glenn, who was officially introduced by the Jets on Monday, alongside new general manager Darren Mougey.
The source requested anonymity because the team has not yet announced the hire. NFL Network was the first to report that Wilks and the Jets had reached an agreement.
Wilks, 55, was not with an NFL team this season and worked as a volunteer adviser for the football team at Charlotte. He was the defensive coordinator for San Francisco in 2023 but was let go after the 49ers lost the Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Wilks brings a wealth of experience to Glenn’s staff. Glenn, a first-time head coach, had been a defensive coordinator before but stated on Monday that he will not be calling defensive plays with the Jets. Glenn said his focus will be on all aspects of the team.
“I want to be the best head coach you can find,” Glenn told reporters. “In order for me to do that, I think I need to manage the game.”
Wilks is replacing Jeff Ulbrich as the Jets’ defensive coordinator. He also has experience as a head coach, having led Arizona in 2018, but was fired after the Cardinals finished with a 3-13 record. Wilks was also Carolina’s interim head coach in 2022 after Matt Rhule was fired, finishing with a 6-6 record.
Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, Wilks started his coaching career in 1995 at Johnson C. Smith. He later coached at Savannah State, Illinois State, Appalachian State, East Tennessee State, Bowling Green, Notre Dame, and Washington.
Wilks first entered the NFL in 2006 as the defensive backs coach for the Chicago Bears. He also worked with the Chargers and Browns and was Missouri’s defensive coordinator in 2021.
Meanwhile, Glenn, who spent the last four years coaching Detroit’s defense, is in the process of assembling his coaching staff and getting to know New York’s roster, along with Mougey. Many of the previous assistants will not be returning.
Ulbrich, who was the interim head coach for the final 12 games of the season after Robert Saleh was fired, has been hired as Atlanta’s defensive coordinator. Saleh is now the defensive coordinator for San Francisco.
San Francisco has also hired Brant Boyer as its new special teams coordinator. Boyer had been with the Jets in the same role for the past nine seasons. Chris Banjo, who was the assistant special teams coordinator in Denver, is a top candidate to join Glenn’s staff as Boyer’s replacement.
Reports suggest that Lions passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand could join Glenn in New York as the Jets’ offensive coordinator. Additionally, Lions tight ends coach Steve Heiden is expected to be hired as the Jets’ offensive line coach.
