From Super Bowl Sidelines to Jets’ Power Duo: Steve Wilks Returns to NFL to Forge Defensive Juggernaut with Aaron Glenn
After a whirlwind year that ended in heartbreak with the San Francisco 49ers’ Super Bowl LVIII loss, Steve Wilks is back in the NFL—but this time with the New York Jets. Following his abrupt dismissal after the 49ers’ 25-22 overtime defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs, Wilks took an unexpected detour: volunteering at UNC Charlotte during the 2024 season.
Away from the NFL spotlight, Wilks quietly honed his craft. He assisted at practice in the mornings and spent afternoons immersed in game film, including extensive study of the Detroit Lions’ defense—run by his longtime friend and now Jets head coach, Aaron Glenn. That connection proved crucial in Wilks’ return.
Now 55, Wilks credits his time away as a valuable reset. “It really helped me tremendously,” he said. “It was great to recharge and learn a lot. I was ready to get back into the saddle.”
Wilks’ new role comes with major responsibilities. He must integrate key defensive backs Brandon Stephens and Andre Cisco, bring clarity to a deep defensive tackle group, and build dependable depth across all units. More importantly, he’s tasked with restoring a defensive edge that faded last season.
As a former head coach himself, Wilks also provides Glenn with a trusted voice. “Sometimes in that seat, it gets lonely,” Wilks said. “I’m here to be that sounding board.”
With a refreshed outlook and plans to merge philosophies with Glenn, Wilks is aiming to make a seamless transition back to NFL sidelines.
