defensive coordinator steve

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/

The New York Jets enter Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals not just chasing a win, but a true identity. Injuries, inconsistency, and constant lineup changes have forced head coach Aaron Glenn’s team to look inward. What they’ve found is a rookie class ready to rise and an offense struggling to finish drives.

### Rookie Secondary Becoming the Story

Despite all the talk about the Jets’ offensive frustrations, their defense—and especially their rookies—has reshaped the team’s narrative. With All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner sidelined by a concussion, third-round pick Azareye’h Thomas steps into the spotlight for his first career start.

It’s a trial by fire for the Florida State product, who faces one of the NFL’s most dangerous duos in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Thomas showed his potential in limited snaps against Carolina. He allowed just two catches, broke up two passes, and stayed aggressive in man coverage when pressed into action.

Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks expressed full faith in the rookie. “You see the confidence, you see his ability,” Wilks said. “He’s not shying away from the positions we’re putting him in. We have a lot of confidence in him, and his teammates do too.”

Rookie safety Malachi Moore also continues to grow. He logged 71 snaps in Week 7 and delivered his first career pass breakup with a hit that jarred the ball loose. His versatility lets Wilks move him around at safety, nickel, or dime. That flexibility has helped the defense hold opponents under 180 passing yards in back-to-back games.

The Jets don’t just aim to survive without Gardner — they want to prove the system works. Their defensive identity no longer depends on one star. It now thrives on depth, discipline, and young players who look comfortable under pressure.

### Offense Still Searching for a Finish Line

While the defense rises, the offense continues to stall inside the red zone. Offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand didn’t sugarcoat it this week: “What we’re working on every day is finishing.”

Through seven games, the Jets sit 16th in the NFL in red-zone touchdown rate at 57 percent. They’ve played two straight games without scoring a touchdown inside the 20. Even worse, they’ve crossed midfield six times on opening drives this season and ended up with four field goals and zero touchdowns.

“It’s about being detailed with our craft,” Engstrand said. “We need to sustain those opening drives and finish each one in the end zone.”

That slow start continues to pile pressure on a defense already carrying the load. The Jets compete hard, but they don’t close — and that’s the difference between a good team and a playoff one.

Facing a Cincinnati team that just exploded for 470 yards and 33 points behind 40-year-old Joe Flacco, the Jets can’t afford to settle for threes when the Bengals are scoring sevens.

### A Defining Moment for the Jets

For a franchise built on grit and near-misses, this game goes beyond another measuring stick. It’s a moment to prove the foundation works — from Thomas’ assertive coverage to Engstrand’s renewed red-zone focus.

If the rookies keep exceeding expectations and the offense finally finishes drives, the Jets can turn potential into legitimacy. If not, familiar ghosts—wasted defensive dominance and offensive inefficiency—will return.

The future has already arrived. Now the Jets must prove they can finish what they’ve started.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/new-york-jets/rookies-rise-as-red-zone-struggles/

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Tag Archives: defensive coordinator steve

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