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.

The New York Jets have their defensive coordinator for Aaron Glenn. The team has reportedly tabbed veteran, longtime NFL coach and coordinator Steve Wilks as the DC for Glenn’s coaching staff, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero: The #Jets have agreed to terms with Steve Wilks as their defensive coordinator, per sources.

Glenn was hired as the next head coach of the Jets earlier this month after a four-year run as the Detroit Lions’ defensive coordinator. The Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh in the middle of last season. Glenn said earlier this week that he will not call defensive plays, so that will presumably fall to Wilks.