Steve Wilks is back in the NFL, taking on the role of defensive coordinator for the New York Jets. The announcement was made Wednesday, with NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reporting the new deal. Wilks, who took a year off from coaching, will be joining forces with Aaron Glenn’s coaching staff.
Glenn was recently appointed as the head coach of the Jets after a successful four-year stint as the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. The team had let go of head coach Robert Saleh during the previous season, and with the new leadership in place, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the Jets.
Glenn has mentioned that he’ll focus on the overall coaching duties rather than calling defensive plays, which will likely be Wilks’ responsibility. This arrangement allows both coaches to leverage their strengths effectively—while Glenn oversees the entire team, Wilks can focus on the specifics of the defense. This collaboration is expected to revitalize the Jets’ struggling defensive unit.
Despite taking a hiatus from coaching last season, Steve Wilks has an impressive coaching resume. He has dedicated decades to assistant and coordinator roles in the NFL. After working his way up to a defensive coordinator position with the Carolina Panthers, Wilks became the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in 2018. However, his time with the Cardinals was brief—he lasted just one season, finishing with a record of 3-13.
Following his departure from the Cardinals, Wilks held various defensive coordinator positions, including a stint at the University of Missouri and most recently with the San Francisco 49ers. Under his guidance, the 49ers advanced to Super Bowl LVIII, yet he was let go after their loss in the championship game. Additionally, Wilks served as the interim head coach for the Carolina Panthers in 2022, where he ended with a balanced record of 6-6.
The New York Jets have been struggling in recent years, with their last playoff appearance dating back to the 2010 season. The team has faced challenges and changes, featuring five different head coaches since their last playoff run. After finishing the 2023 season with a disappointing 5-12 record, the Jets are hoping that bringing in experienced coaches like Wilks and Glenn will mark a turning point for the franchise.
With Wilks taking over the defense, there are high expectations for improvement in that area. His history of success in various coaching roles is expected to benefit the Jets significantly. The defensive strategies and game plans he brings could be crucial for the Jets as they look to enhance their performance.
The Jets are still in the process of finalizing their coaching staff, particularly with the need for an offensive coordinator. However, with Wilks and Glenn already in place, the foundation for a competitive coaching team is emerging. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Jets shape their season ahead.
In conclusion, Steve Wilks’ return to coaching with the New York Jets is being met with excitement and anticipation. As the franchise works to rebuild, his experience and knowledge could play an essential role in guiding the team’s defensive efforts. With the leadership of both Wilks and Glenn, the Jets are aiming for improvement and a step toward potentially brighter days in the coming NFL season.
