As the New York Jets continue their search for a new defensive coordinator, a familiar face is now the first candidate to land a second interview for the job.
Chris Harris, who served as the Jets’ interim defensive coordinator over the final three games of the 2025 season following Steve Wilks’ firing, interviewed for the job again on Sunday, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.
Harris originally joined the Jets’ coaching staff last offseason as the team’s defensive backs coach and pass-game coordinator. Under Harris in 2025, the Jets’ secondary and pass defense were horrific. They became the first team in NFL history to record zero interceptions, while ranking dead last in pass defense DVOA.
After Steve Wilks was fired in-season, head coach Aaron Glenn named Harris the team’s interim DC. Throughout those three games, the Jets’ defense allowed 106 points.
While Harris is the first candidate to earn a second interview for the role, Michigan DC Don “Wink” Martindale is considered the “early front-runner” to earn the job, according to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic.
Around the league, the perception appears to be that the Jets’ defensive coordinator opening is not among the more attractive jobs this offseason. Additionally, according to Breer’s report, Harris is viewed as “a rising star in coaching.”
Despite that, given the struggles of the Jets’ secondary in 2025, it would be difficult to justify promoting Harris to the team’s full-time defensive coordinator role.
Following a season in which many fans were calling for New York to go one-and-done with Glenn, promoting Harris to the full-time DC job would only amplify the scrutiny around the 3-14 head coach. This type of move would further reduce the fanbase’s confidence levels in the former Jet’s ability to lead Gang Green back to relevance.
