Aaron Glenn's first staff in New York will include a former NFL head coach. The Jets are finalizing a deal to make former Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks their new defensive coordinator, as confirmed by CBS Sports NFL Insider Jonathan Jones.

After parting ways with the Panthers following their 2023 hire of Frank Reich, Wilks was hired as the defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers. But despite helping the Niners reach Super Bowl LVIII, as his unit allowed the third-fewest points per game (17.5), Wilks was dismissed after just one year.

Ex-Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks is now back in the NFL as a defensive coordinator for the New York Jets, per multiple reports.

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. Read more: Patrick Mahomes Father Takes Massive Shot at Bills Following AFC Championship Loss

Steve Wilks has agreed to terms to be the New York Jets' defensive coordinator under new head coach Aaron Glenn, multiple media outlets reported Wednesday night.

Aaron Glenn told everyone to put their seatbelts on during his press conference. Now, we are beginning to find out who is driving the Jets bus with him.

Steve Wilks has agreed to terms with the Jets to become their new defensive coordinator, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday.

Steve Wilks, who ran the Niners' defense in 2023 and was head coach of the Cardinals in 2018, has agreed to become the Jets' defensive coordinator, sources told ESPN.

Wilks, who replaces Jeff Ulbrich as the Jets’ defensive coordinator, also has head coaching experience. He was Arizona’s coach in 2018 and was fired after the Cardinals finished 3-13. Wilks also was Carolina’s interim coach when he replaced the fired Matt Rhule in 2022 and went 6-6 with the Panthers.

Glenn, who was the Lions' defensive coordinator the past four seasons, said he would not be calling the defense for the Jets. Wilks has done the job and has head coaching experience.

Steve Wilks is one of the best defensive minds in football who, for one reason or another, continues to fly under the radar. After spending one season as the de