On Monday, New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn relieved defensive coordinator Steve Wilks of his duties.

A defense that has struggled all year long finally hit a breaking point, allowing 82 points over the past two games. The unit has dropped to 31st in defensive DVOA.

With that in mind, here are 10 defensive coordinator candidates New York should pursue this offseason.

Wink Martindale, Michigan

After Michigan moved on from head coach Sherrone Moore, Martindale, currently the Wolverines’ defensive coordinator, is widely expected to be available this offseason. If that door opens, the Jets should be ready to go all-in.

The 62-year-old brings a wealth of experience as a defensive coach. Prior to his time at Michigan, Martindale served as the New York Giants’ defensive coordinator from 2022-23, then left the organization following a strained relationship with head coach Brian Daboll, before returning to the college ranks at Michigan.

New York ranks dead last in the NFL with just three takeaways this season, including zero interceptions. Under Martindale in 2023, the Giants forced 31 takeaways, the most in the league.

Christian Parker, Philadelphia Eagles

The Jets could benefit by plucking someone from the Vic Fangio tree. Who else better to do that than a young up-and-comer who has learned under Fangio with the Philadelphia Eagles over the past two seasons?

Meet Christian Parker.

The Flemington, N.J. native is just 33 years old and is quickly building momentum around the league.

Before joining the Eagles’ staff, Parker served as the Denver Broncos’ defensive backs coach from 2021-23 after spending two seasons as a quality control assistant with the Green Bay Packers from 2019-20. His coaching career began at the college level, where he worked a series of low-level roles while carving out a path to the NFL.

Parker interviewed for Green Bay’s defensive coordinator position in 2024 before the Packers ultimately hired Jeff Hafley.

There is also a direct organizational tie to the Jets. During his time in Denver, Parker crossed paths with Jets general manager Darren Mougey, a connection that could carry weight if New York explores defensive coordinator options this offseason.

Scheme-wise, the fit is intriguing. Philadelphia currently plays man coverage at the second-highest rate in the NFL, a philosophy that would align well with a Jets secondary built around big, physical press corners such as Azareye’h Thomas, Jarvis Brownlee Jr., and Brandon Stephens.

Hiring Parker would represent a sharp departure from last offseason’s approach with Steve Wilks. Rather than a veteran retread, Parker is an up-and-coming name with no play-calling experience, a swing on upside. If it hits, it has the makings of a home-run hire.

Jim Leonhard, Denver Broncos

Leonhard is the obvious fan favorite to land this job.

The former Jet started 40 games for Gang Green back in the “glory days,” if you will, from 2009-11.

Following the conclusion of his playing career, Leonhard jumped right into the coaching realm. Joining the University of Wisconsin as a defensive backs coach in 2016, he was quickly promoted to the defensive coordinator role just one season later.

His defense ranked among the best in the FBS. Across his six-year career as Wisconsin’s DC, the Badgers allowed the fewest points per game among FBS programs (17.9).

In 2022, he also stepped in as their interim head coach and led the program to a 4-3 record to close out the season.

He got his first NFL coaching opportunity in 2024 when Sean Payton brought him to the Denver Broncos, where he inherited the role of defensive backs coach and defensive pass-game coordinator.

The year before he arrived, Denver ranked 21st in pass defense DVOA. In 2024, Leonhard’s first season, the Broncos jumped to third in that same metric and currently rank seventh this year, through 15 weeks.

Leonhard has risen through the coaching ranks and appears ready for a defensive coordinator job.

His overlap with Mougey for a year in Denver and his familiarity with the Jets’ organization contribute to a perfect fit for that role in New York.

Al Harris, Chicago Bears

A former NFL cornerback, Harris has done a tremendous job developing Chicago’s secondary this season.

While the Jets haven’t generated an interception through 15 weeks this season, the Bears have generated a league-high 21, three more than the second-ranked Jacksonville Jaguars.

From 2020-23, the former sixth-round pick served as the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive backs coach before being promoted to assistant head coach last season.

The Jets’ takeaway problem is impossible to ignore, and Harris’ resume points directly to a solution.

Jonathon Gannon, Arizona Cardinals (if fired)

Gannon is among a small group of head coaches who could be on the hot seat this offseason. Arizona sits at 3-11, and he owns a 15-33 record across nearly three seasons with the Cardinals.

Before taking over in Arizona, however, Gannon established himself as one of the NFL’s top defensive coordinators. During his two-year run in Philadelphia from 2021–22, he led one of the league’s sharpest turnarounds. After ranking 23rd in DVOA in his first season, the Eagles surged to No. 3 in 2022.

If the Jets decide to revisit the veteran coordinator route, the 42-year-old’s proven ability to elevate a defense should put Gannon firmly in the conversation.

Raheem Morris, Atlanta Falcons (if fired)

Morris fits into the same category as Gannon.

At 17–25 as the Atlanta Falcons’ head coach, Morris could be available this offseason as the organization appears headed toward a full teardown.

Among the candidates on this list, the 49-year-old brings the deepest resume in high-profile roles. The New Jersey native served as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ head coach from 2009-11, spent time as the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive coordinator, and held interim head coach and defensive coordinator duties in Atlanta in 2020 before returning in a full-time role in 2024.

Morris also shares a strong relationship with Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, a connection that would certainly strengthen his candidacy.

Jim Schwartz, Cleveland Browns (if fired)

As the Cleveland Browns’ season continues to collapse for the second straight year, there could be a complete regime change brewing in the City of Rock and Roll.

Schwartz, 58, has spent 17 seasons as a defensive coordinator in the NFL, while serving in the role with four different organizations. Most notably, he led the Eagles’ defense to a Super Bowl victory in 2017.

In 2023, under his leadership, the Browns ranked second in DVOA, and they currently rank fourth in that metric this season.

If there is a complete rebuild in Cleveland, Schwartz would become a hot name for teams looking for a new defensive coordinator.

Deshea Townsend, Detroit Lions

Now, we take a look over to Glenn’s former staff in Detroit, when he served as the Lions’ defensive coordinator from 2021-24.

Townsend, a 12-year NFL veteran, won two Super Bowls during his playing days.

With over 13 years of coaching experience, Townsend joined Detroit’s staff under Glenn in 2024 as a pass-game coordinator and defensive backs coach, after spending two seasons in that same role with the Jaguars.

Any connection to Glenn is certainly worth noting as the Jets look for their DC of the future; most importantly, the role would be a promotion for Townsend.

Steve Clinkscale, Los Angeles Chargers

Clinkscale, 48, made his name known as a defensive coach at the NCAA level, most notably serving as Michigan’s co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach from 2022-23.

He got his first NFL opportunity in 2024, joining the Chargers’ coaching staff as their defensive backs coach.

Under Clinkscale last year, LA ranked 11th in pass defense DVOA last season and currently ranks fifth in that metric this year.

Clinkscale is intriguing because he has gone through all the ranks as a coach, and his final box is becoming an NFL defensive coordinator for the first time.

Chris Harris, New York Jets

After Wilks’ dismissal, Glenn named Harris the Jets’ interim defensive coordinator, tasking him with calling plays over New York’s final three games.

Harris, 43, was the Jets’ defensive backs coach and defensive pass game coordinator. He previously served as the Tennessee Titans’ cornerbacks coach and defensive pass game coordinator from 2023-24.

Well respected across the league, Harris now gets a true audition, stepping into a play-calling role for the first time. The timing is hardly forgiving. The stretch begins Sunday against the 4-10 New Orleans Saints, then ramps up with matchups against Drake Maye and the New England Patriots, followed by Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.

While a three-game sample is unlikely to lock up the job for next season, it gives Harris a real opportunity to build a compelling case and ensure his name remains firmly in the conversation for the full-time role.