Steve Wilks has been appointed as the defensive coordinator for the New York Jets, marking a significant addition to the team's coaching staff in 2024. With 16 seasons of NFL coaching experience, Wilks brings a wealth of expertise to the position. He has previously worked with six different NFL teams, including serving as the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns in 2019 and the San Francisco 49ers in 2023. His extensive experience, particularly in coaching the secondary, makes him a valuable asset for the Jets.
Wilks' hiring comes after a notable stint as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in 2023. However, he was released from his position in February 2024, shortly after the 49ers' loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII. This decision was influenced by a mismatch between Wilks and the team's needs, as highlighted by Kyle Shanahan's comments.
"It just ended up not being the right fit. And it hurt for me to do this, but that's exactly why I had to." – Kyle Shanahan
Despite his departure from the 49ers, Wilks' experience as both a head coach and coordinator positions him as a strong candidate to support Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, who is embarking on his first head coaching role. Glenn's decision to hire Wilks underscores the importance of having seasoned advisors in his coaching staff.
"I want to be the best head coach you can find," – Aaron Glenn
Wilks will take over from Jeff Ulbrich, who served as the Jets' defensive coordinator from 2021 to 2024 and stepped in as interim head coach for the final 12 games of the 2024 season. The new role presents Wilks with both challenges and opportunities, as he inherits a defense that has consistently ranked among the top five in yards allowed over the past three seasons. However, significant personnel changes loom on the horizon, with ten of the Jets' top seventeen snap leaders, including cornerback D.J. Reed and linebacker Jamien Sherwood, eligible for free agency.
Wilks' previous roles also include serving as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in 2018, though his tenure was cut short following a 3-13 season. In 2022, he took on the interim head coach role for the Carolina Panthers, further broadening his leadership experience within the league.
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