Potential Defensive Coordinator Options for the New York Jets in 2026
New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn announced on Monday that defensive coordinator Steve Wilks was being relieved of his duties following two inexcusably bad performances against the Dolphins and Jaguars. The Jets’ defense has been a persistent problem throughout the entire season, and after giving up 48 points while appearing to have fully given up on the year, Aaron Glenn decided he had seen enough. Defensive backs and passing game coordinator Chris Harris will fill in as the interim defensive coordinator for the remainder of the season. Still, unless the defense shows drastic improvement over the final two games, the Jets will most likely be in the market for a new coordinator this offseason. Luckily for New York, there should be plenty of good options to choose from this cycle.
Raheem Morris, Head Coach, Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons have been struggling this season, currently sitting at 5-9 on the year, and much of the blame has been heaped onto head coach Raheem Morris. It certainly feels at this point that Morris isn’t going to be in Atlanta in 2026, and if he does, he will be a prime defensive coordinator candidate for many teams. Morris is a former defensive coordinator himself, and his defenses are what got him his head coaching job. Even in a tumultuous year like this, his defense has given trouble to teams like the Bills, who have Josh Allen at quarterback. He’s also someone who could help a young head coach like Aaron Glenn, since he has head coaching experience.
Jim Schwartz, Defensive Coordinator, Cleveland Browns
Coordinators as good as Jim Schwartz don’t shake free very often. They either get offered head coaching jobs or stay in one place due to the team’s success. Schwartz could shake free if Kevin Stefanski gets fired, and if he does, the Jets should be the first team calling. Schwartz is in charge of one of the best defenses in the league in Cleveland, and a lot of the work is being done with young or unproven players. He’s been leading good defenses for a prolonged period of time at this point, and would be a great hire to not only maximize the veterans on the team but also develop the young players as well.
Todd Bowles, Head Coach, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Todd Bowles would be a somewhat surprising hire for the team, but a good hire nonetheless. Bowles is obviously heavily connected to the Jets, being their former head coach from 2015 to 2018. His defenses have been very good in Tampa Bay, but the late-season collapse that the Buccaneers are experiencing could result in Bowles being jettisoned. If that happens, the Jets should at least attempt to bring back Bowles. Even if he wasn’t the best head coach, he’s been able to show that he’s a very good coordinator.
