After just 14 games, the New York Jets had seen enough. Defensive coordinator and play-caller Steve Wilks is out of a job.

In his place, former NFL safety turned high-rising position coach Chris Harris takes over for a unit that has been one of the most disappointing in the league in 2025. With several issues, including scheme and player development, Harris has his work cut out for him.

There’s a reason head coach Aaron Glenn went to Harris, though.

And if Harris can do a good job in the final three games of the regular season, it may give him a leg up for when the Jets start looking for a full-time defensive coordinator at the start of the 2026 offseason.

Jets intrigued with new DC

Before Harris joined the Jets coaching staff under Glenn, he was a very popular interview across the league for coordinator jobs. When New York hired him, he was considered one of the top men brought in.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the Jets’ head coach even acknowledged that Harris was considered for the top job before ultimately losing out to Wilks.

“We actually interviewed him ourselves,” Glenn said. “And he did a really good job in that interview, so I think he’s more than capable. I think he’s more than ready to step into that role and do a good job.”

Before joining the Jets, Harris bounced around as a defensive backs coach for the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, and Tennessee Titans. He was an All-Pro safety during his playing days, and has used that experience to get solid play out of younger groups.

He’s hoping to do the same with the Jets in the final three games.

Of course, there was a reason why the organization had to make a change in the first place. New York has not intercepted a pass for the longest streak in NFL history and has given up the third-most points. It’s not going to be easy for Harris to turn this unit around overnight.

At the very least, the next few games are a chance for Harris to show his head coach whether he can get the most out of the current unit, one that is furious with how their season has gone.

“Looking forward to see how these guys respond from these two back-to-back performances that weren’t really up to standard,” Glenn said. “The players are not happy with it, and you can tell they’re not, and they should be. They should be. So, I’m looking forward to seeing how they respond to that.”

There’s little the Jets can do to salvage their 3-11 mark. Improved play on the defensive side, though, coupled with a new play-caller, could very well turn the tide of positivity going into the offseason.