Aaron Glenn became the New York Jets’ new head coach on Jan. 21. The franchise has also hired Darren Mougey as the team’s new general manager and has started making moves to compete next season.
The AFC East franchise also found its new defensive coordinator to help Glenn — Steve Wilks. The 55-year-old coach has previously served as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers (interim).
Fans React to Jets Hiring Steve Wilks As New DC To Help Aaron Glenn
Glenn doesn’t have prior experience as a head coach in the NFL, but having Wilks as his DC will be huge. The belief is Wilks will call all the defensive plays for the team during the season as Glenn wants to prioritize being the head coach.
Wilks was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2023 season, and the team made it to the Super Bowl. The NFC West team allowed just 17.5 points per game in the regular season with him as the DC, but the team parted ways with him after the loss in the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The 49ers didn’t benefit from firing Wilks as the team missed out on the playoffs next season, and the team’s defense gave up an average of 25.6 points per game.
NFL fans on social media were excited by the team’s decision to hire Wilks, as they believe it is a great move from Glenn toward building his staff. Here are some of the reactions:
Aaron Glenn cookin 🔥
— Mr.Nike (@ballandbars1) January 30, 2025
“Good on Wilks, he’s a decent coordinator. Didn’t deserve to be made the scapegoat after the 2023 season,” said a 49ers fan.
Another fan added, “A very smart move to hire a good DC who also has previous head coach experience.”
Damn they might actually be solid
— Optify 🦁 (@optifyy_) January 29, 2025
“Best DC hire in the coaching cycle,” wrote one fan.
“Glenn surrounding himself with other adults is a far contrast than what we’ve been used to seeing as Jets fans,” said a fan.
This is where Saleh missed (one of the areas) – not having a veteran voice in the room.
AG addresses that right and away. And if he can add a young buck with a high ceiling at OC and match him up with Haley… https://t.co/tX5cs3YXql pic.twitter.com/Yw63dh9nBB
— Stephen Russo (@stephenrusso9) January 30, 2025
Wilks is an excellent hire for the Jets, and he will be tasked with improving the team’s defense, which performed significantly worse after Robert Saleh was fired. Having players like Sauce Gardner, Jermaine Johnson, Will McDonald IV, and Quinnen Williams to build around is a luxury for a defensive coordinator.
The Jets Are Still Undecided on QB for 2025
Glenn is building his staff for his first season as Jets head coach, but the franchise still doesn’t know who will be the team’s quarterback come September.
Aaron Rodgers still has one year left on his deal, and although there are reports about Glenn wanting the veteran quarterback on the team, nothing is guaranteed as of now.
Since the Jets have the seventh overall pick in the draft and no standout quarterback is available in free agency, Glenn could continue with Rodgers to give the team the best chance to win games.
The AFC East team could take a shot at drafting a quarterback in the middle rounds of the draft. It will be risky, but next year’s draft class is currently projected to be much better at the quarterback position. If the Jets fail to address the QB issue, Glenn’s first season with the team could look a lot similar to what Saleh experienced with Zach Wilson as his quarterback.