There are many reasons the New York Jets find themselves at a disappointing 2-8 record this season. One of the primary issues has been the defense falling apart, raising serious concerns as the team struggles to find stability on that side of the ball.
NFL Insider Connor Hughes of SNY recently highlighted the uncertain job security of Jets defensive coordinator Steve Wilks as the 2025 season approaches its conclusion. “I think there is a reason that he has been pretty much one-and-done in a lot of other places. That is a name to keep an eye on. I think when the season ends that is one to watch because if the Jets are going to make changes and Woody [Johnson] is going to demand changes, I don’t think it’s going to be Tanner Engstrand, I think it could be Steve Wilks where they step in and say we want a new voice on defense and I wouldn’t disagree with it at all,” Hughes explained on the show *Jets Final Drive*.
Adding to the concerns, Zack Rosenblatt of *The Athletic* stated, “I have a lot of concerns about the future of this defense, and honestly, the person calling the plays on defense, I have some concerns about.”
### The Jets’ Defense Has Completely Collapsed
The Jets’ defensive production this season has been underwhelming. Through the first 10 games of the 2025 season, New York ranks 19th in yards allowed (329.7 per game), 23rd in rushing yards allowed (130.9 per game), and 26th in points allowed (26.8 per game), according to ESPN.
One statistic stands out as particularly alarming: “Through 10 games of the 2025 regular season, the New York Jets are closing in on an unwanted milestone in NFL history. The Jets have recorded just one takeaway all season, a lone forced fumble during their international game against the Broncos, and remain without an interception. That drought ties them with the 2017 Raiders for the longest to start a season. If they fail to snag one next week against the Baltimore Ravens, the Jets will stand alone at the top of that dubious list,” reports the Pro Football Network.
Currently, the Jets are the only team in the NFL without a single interception this season.
### Wilks Has Become a Coaching Nomad Throughout His Career
Steve Wilks’ coaching resume reveals a pattern of short stints. Over his 30-year career, Wilks has been a “one-and-done” head or coordinator in 10 different places. He has rarely stayed with the same team for long. His longest tenure was with the Carolina Panthers, where he spent six consecutive seasons from 2012 through 2017.
### Coach Glenn Has Been Through This Before
Jets defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is no stranger to navigating challenging coaching situations. While he is not the same personality as head coach Dan Campbell, the two were once on the same staff in Detroit. Following Campbell’s first season there, he retained Glenn as defensive coordinator but made a change on offense by replacing former Jets coach Anthony Lynn with up-and-coming offensive coordinator Ben Johnson—a move that proved successful.
Having witnessed how Campbell managed his staff restructuring, Glenn might consider borrowing some strategies from his former head coach’s playbook when making decisions about the Jets’ defensive staff moving forward.
Interestingly, both Lynn and Wilks were former NFL head coaches whom Campbell and Glenn brought onto their staffs, valuing their experience and leadership. Their backgrounds as head coaches have been assets that both Campbell and Glenn could lean on during challenging times.
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As the 2025 season winds down, all eyes will be on the Jets’ defense and whether changes will be made to bring in a new voice—potentially signaling the end of Wilks’ tenure in New York.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/new-york-jets/steve-wilks-nfl-firing-rumors/