Jets' New Head Coach Aaron Glenn Makes First Big Hire in Steve Wilks as Defensive Coordinator

Steve Wilks is making a grand return back to the NFL.

The former Arizona Cardinals head coach has been selected by new New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn to become Gang Green's defensive coordinator per NFL insider Tom Pelissero.

The #Jets have agreed to terms with Steve Wilks as their defensive coordinator, per sources.," Pelissero posted to X. "After sitting out last season, Wilks — a longtime respected assistant and former #Cardinals head coach — now returns as a key figure on Aaron Glenn's new staff in New York.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 11: Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks of the San Francisco 49ers walks onto the field during team entrances before Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on...

Wilks didn't coach in the league in 2024, but was the San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator in 2023. A veteran defensive assistant, he served as the Cardinals' head coach for one season in 2018, finishing with a 3-13 record, and later became the Carolina Panthers' interim head coach for a short stint in 2022.

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