Report: Jets hiring Wilks as DC

The New York Jets agreed to terms with Steve Wilks to be their defensive coordinator, sources told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Wilks didn't coach in the NFL in 2024, serving as an adviser at Charlotte instead. The 55-year-old was most recently the San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator in 2023, losing the role after the team's overtime defeat in Super Bowl LVIII. He previously had DC stints with the Carolina Panthers (2017) and Cleveland Browns (2019).

Wilks also served as the Arizona Cardinals' head coach in 2018 but was fired after a 3-13 season. He would get another shot as a head coach in 2022 after being promoted by the Panthers on an interim basis. He posted a 6-6 record that year.

The 2017 Panthers and 2023 49ers were the only teams Wilks has coached that had a defense ranked inside the NFL's top 20 in points and total yards allowed. San Francisco ranked third and eighth, respectively, in those categories two years ago, but the team's defensive unit lacked consistency and regressed in the playoffs, which eventually led to Wilks' exit.

In New York, Wilks will inherit a defense that underachieved in 2024 under interim head coach and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. The Jets have one of the league's most talented defensive units on paper with former All-Pro lineman Quinnen Williams and cornerback Sauce Gardner, but it ranked only 21st in EPA/play last year.

Wilks will be part of Aaron Glenn's staff at the AFC East club. Glenn was recently hired after he stood out as the Detroit Lions' defensive coordinator over the last four seasons.