The New York Jets fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilkes on Sunday following an embarrassing 48-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15. 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 Wilkes’ successor this offseason.
Coach Glenn will probably come up with a short list. No doubt some of the potential front-runners have worked with Glenn in the past. We have identified four options.
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Detroit Lions defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend warms up before a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Philadelphia.
Former NFL DB DeShea Townsend currently serves as the passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach for the Detroit Lions. They work together in 2024, Glenn’s final year as the Lions’ defensive coordinator. Townsend has been a coach since 2011 and can be considered ready for his first opportunity in Washington, D.C.
November 16, 2025; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach Aubrey Pleasant and head coach Sean McVay on the sidelines during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Aubrey Pleasant may be the most exciting candidate linked to Glenn. The former Wisconsin safety has been with Sean McVay’s Los Angeles Rams since 2023 and was promoted to assistant head coach last offseason. Pleasant is Glenn’s defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator for the Lions in 2021.
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Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nelson watches the second quarter of an NFL football game at EverBank Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida. The Packers beat the Jaguars 30-27 on a last-second field goal. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Ryan Nielsen was great as DC for the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, but not so much in 2024 with the Jacksonville Jaguars. That’s why he’s now a senior defensive assistant with the Buffalo Bills. Nelson and Glenn worked together for four seasons in New Orleans (2017-20).
June 4, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown (95) performs agility drills under the guidance of defensive coach Todd Wash during OTA. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Todd Wash will be an experienced candidate. He served as the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars for five seasons (2016-20). Wash and Glenn worked together in Detroit for two seasons (2021-22), with the former serving as Glenn’s defensive line coach. He currently serves in the same position with the Carolina Panthers.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Aaron Glenn linked to 4 potential Jets DC candidates
