Reports: Jets hiring Steve Wilks as defensive coordinator

Field Level Media|published: Wed 29th January, 21:12 2025

Jan 1, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers interm head coach Steve Wilks during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images

Steve Wilks has agreed to terms to be the New York Jets' defensive coordinator under new head coach Aaron Glenn, multiple media outlets reported Wednesday night.

Wilks, 55, did not coach in the NFL in 2024 after one season as DC in San Francisco. The 49ers fired him after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.

He was head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in 2018, lasting one season and going 3-13. Wilks was also interim head coach with the Carolina Panthers in 2022 and was 6-6.

A defensive assistant in the NFL from 2005-17 with Washington, Chicago, San Diego and Carolina, Wilks served as defensive coordinator with the Panthers in 2017 and Cleveland Browns in 2019.

He also was the defensive coordinator at Missouri in 2021, resuming a college coaching career that ran from 1995-2004.

Glenn said at his introductory press conference on Monday that he wasn't planning to call defensive plays. He was the Detroit Lions' DC from 2021-24.

"I want to be the best head coach you can find," said Glenn, who was the Detroit Lions' defensive coordinator from 2021 through this season. "In order for me to do that, I think I need to manage the game."

Also Wednesday night, NFL Network reported Glenn hired Steve Heiden as his offensive line coach. Heiden worked with Glenn in Detroit, coaching the tight ends. And Glenn is reportedly set to hire Chris Banjo as special teams coordinator. Banjo was assistant special teams coach for the Denver Broncos this season.

--Field Level Media