The Jets hired Steve Wilks to be their defensive coordinator.
As the 49ers defensive coordinator in 2023, Wilks led a unit that finished T1 in interceptions (22), No. 3 in scoring (17.5 pts/g) and rush defense (89.7 yds/g), and No. 5 in pass yards/play (5.86). He'll oversee take over the defensive play-calling in New York for first-year HC Aaron Glenn.
"I won't call the defense," Glenn said during his introductory news conference on Monday. "I want to be the best head coach you can find. For me to do that, I think I need to manage the game, so I'll have my OC and my DC, those guys will be calling the plays."
Wilks, 55, gained head-coaching experience with the Arizona Cardinals in 2018 and he also had 12 games in the interim HC role with the Carolina Panthers in 2022. Hired as the Panthers defensive passing game coordinator & secondary coach, Wilks led Carolina to a 6-6 mark as IHC after the team dismissed Matt Rhule.
Wilks' first stint in Carolina began in 2012 when Ron Rivera hired him as defensive backs coach. He was promoted to assistant head coach & defensive backs coach in 2015-16 before becoming assistant head coach & defensive coordinator in 2017. Wilks also served as defensive coordinator with the Cleveland Browns (2019) and at Missouri (2021).
Starting his coaching career at Johnson C. Smith as defensive coordinator in 1995-96, Wilks served in the same role at Savannah State in 1997-98 before compiling a 5-6 mark as head coach in 1999. He also coached defensive backs at Illinois State (2000), Appalachian State (2001), Bowling Green (2003), Notre Dame (2004) and Washington (2005).
Rivera, who was the defensive coordinator at East Tennessee State in 2002, entered the NFL in 2006 as the Chicago Bears defensive backs coach. Following three seasons with the Bears, Wilks rejoined Rivera in San Diego and remained the Chargers' defensive backs coach from 2009-12.
Wilks, a Charlotte, NC, native, played defensive back at Appalachian State (1987-91) and spent a year with the Charlotte Rage in the Arena Football League. Wilks volunteered with the UNC Charlotte 49ers last season as an untitled advisor.
