The New York Jetsfired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks following Sunday’s embarrassing 48-20 Week 15 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Defensive backs coach Chris Harris will take over on an interim basis for the remaining three games. Head coach Aaron Glenn will help oversee the process of hiring Wilks’ successor in the offseason.
Coach Glenn will likely have a shortlist of candidates. Some of the potential front-runners will undoubtedly have worked with Glenn in the past. We’ve identified four options.
DeShea Townsend, Detroit Lions
Former NFL DB DeShea Townsend is currently employed as the Detroit Lions’ passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach. They worked together in 2024 in Glenn’s final year as the Lions’ defensive coordinator. Townsend has been coaching since 2011 and could be viewed as ready for his first DC opportunity.
Aubrey Pleasant, Los Angeles Rams
Aubrey Pleasant may be the most exciting candidate with a connection to Glenn. The former Wisconsin safety has been on Sean McVay’s staff with the Los Angeles Rams since 2023, having been elevated to assistant head coach this past offseason. Pleasant was Glenn’s defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator with the Lions in 2021.
Ryan Nielsen, Buffalo Bills
![Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen looks on during the second quarter of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Packers edged the Jaguars 30-27 on a last-second field goal. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://media.zenfs.com/en/ny_jets_wire_usa_today_sports_articles_149/21739c2a3d22429f86969a57046543f8)
Ryan Nielsen had a really productive stint as the Atlanta Falcons’ DC in 2023, but things didn’t go as swimmingly with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024. That’s why he’s now a senior defensive assistant with the Buffalo Bills. Nielsen and Glenn worked four seasons together (2017-20) in New Orleans.
Todd Wash, Carolina Panthers
Todd Wash would be an experienced candidate. He served as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive coordinator for five seasons (2016-20). Wash and Glenn worked together for two seasons in Detroit (2021-22) with the former serving as Glenn’s defensive line coach. He’s currently in the same positional role with the Carolina Panthers.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: 4 potential Jets DC candidates Aaron Glenn has connections with
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