Following a disastrous defensive performance on Sunday in which the New York Jets allowed 48 points to the Jacksonville Jaguars, an offense that ranks near league average at 16th in yards per game per ESPN, New York decided to move on from defensive coordinator Steve Wilks on Monday.
Although the move was sudden, it did not come as a surprise. As SNYâs Connor Hughes said, “It was clear that things were not getting better under him – change was inevitable, change was needed.”
The struggling Jets defense, which has yet to record a single interception this season, will now turn to the offseason in search of a new defensive coordinator to replace Wilks. On WFANâs popular New York sports radio show Evan and Tiki, co-host Evan Roberts named one of his top choices to fill the position: former Jets safety Jim Leonhard.
Leonhard played 10 seasons in the NFL, including three with the Jets from 2009 to 2011. He currently serves as the defensive pass game coordinator and assistant head coach for the Denver Broncos, where he has helped coach one of the NFLâs top defenses.
“He’s a fast rising star with a Jet pedigree, I am fully endorsing the hiring of Jim Leonhard,” said Roberts.
Prior to serving on Sean Paytonâs coaching staff in Denver, Leonhard had a highly successful coaching career at the University of Wisconsin, where he spent five seasons as defensive coordinator and served as interim head coach in 2022.
According to uwbadgers.com, “In Leonhard’s five seasons as defensive coordinator, UW has ranked among the nation’s top five in total defense and top 10 in scoring defense four times. During that time, the Badgers rank third in scoring defense (17.3 points per game), first in total yards allowed (284.8 yards per game), first in pass efficiency defense (110.5), third in rushing defense (103.4 ypg) and first in opponents’ third down conversions (30.5%). Wisconsin has forced 112 turnovers over that span, tied for fourth-most among Power Five Conference teams.”
Jim Leonhard is a former Jet.
Harris Fills the Position For Now
Chris Harris, who has served as the defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator this year, will take over as defensive coordinator for the remainder of the season.
Head coach Aaron Glenn said, “I think he’s more than capable, I think he’s more than ready to step into that role and do a good job.”
“If Harris delivers an in-season turnaround, he could emerge as a candidate for the full-time coordinator job. His experience as a defensive backs coach dates back to 2016, and he has been a passing game coordinator for the last three seasons across two teams, the Tennessee Titans and Jets,” wrote Carter Bahns of CBS Sports.
GettyHead coach Aaron Glenn believes in Chris Harris.
How the Defense Can Turn Things Around vs. Saints
The Jets defense will aim to finish the regular season strong before officially beginning the search for their next defensive coordinator. Despite a disappointing year, a solid finish would provide a boost for both the team and coaching staff.
Heading into the game against the New Orleans Saints, a key area to watch will be the Jetsâ ability to generate a pass rush. Last week, the pass rush was virtually non-existent. As ESPNâs Rich Cimini wrote, âThe Jets had no sacks and only two QB hits.â
If the Jets can find a way to get pressure on the quarterback, it will help the entire defense and increase their chances of finally recording their first interception of the season.
GettyThe Jets will look to pressure the QB more than they did last week.
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