Jets interim defensive coordinator Chris Harris hopes to help unit start getting stops

By Al Iannazzoneal.iannazzone@newsday.com Al_IannazzoneUpdated December 18, 2025 7:10 pm

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Chris Harris had the goal of being a defensive coordinator when he put away his cleats and became an NFL coach. He didn’t want to get his first opportunity like this, though.

Harris took over as the Jets' defensive coordinator when Aaron Glenn fired Steve Wilks on Monday.

“This isn’t ideal. Nobody wants to go through this during a season,” Harris said Thursday. “It's something I've definitely aspired to do. I'm grateful for the opportunity that AG’s given me. Steve, I've learned a lot from him. What happened is not an indictment on him, it's on our entire defensive staff, and we just have to do better.”

Harris’ first opportunity to put his fingerprints on the Jets’ defense will come on Sunday in New Orleans. He said multiple times on Thursday that it’s not about him, but to a certain extent, it is.

Glenn is evaluating everything, including whether Harris can be the Jets' defensive coordinator beyond these last three games.

Harris, 43, spent eight seasons playing defensive back for the Bears, Panthers, Lions and Jaguars and is in his 12th year as a coach. Glenn interviewed him for the Jets’ defensive coordinator position before giving Wilks the job. Glenn hired Harris as defensive backs coach/defensive passing game coordinator and let him call plays in the preseason.

“He did a really good job in that interview,” Glenn said. “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.”

Harris won’t make wholesale schematic changes. There just isn’t time. He will tweak and add wrinkles to the defense with help from Glenn. They’re working closely together this week on game-planning.

“Chris is doing a hell of a job right now as a coordinator, coordinating that defense,” Glenn said. “I'll be helping him, man, but this is his opportunity to shine in that department. So I look forward to seeing how he's going to operate.”

Harris could help himself if the Jets have an effective pass rush and can create some takeaways, most notably an interception.

The Jets had no sacks and two quarterback hits in their 48-20 loss to Jacksonville last Sunday. They have no interceptions through 14 games, an NFL record to start a season and tied for the most in a two-year stretch.

“It’s unusual,” said Harris, who had 16 regular-season interceptions and one memorable one in the Super Bowl against Peyton Manning.

Harris lists Lovie Smith and Ron Rivera as influences. He also played or worked for Rod Marinelli, Jim Schwartz, Gunther Cunningham and Mike Vrabel. Having played in the league, Harris said he can relate to the players. Some members of the defense mentioned that as well.

“I don't want to make anything about me, but bringing to the defense, I’m a former player, so I can talk to the guys,” Harris said. “I understand how they think. It's all about preparing. We want to play with grit, want to play with toughness. Those are things we want to try to put on display while we're out there.”

The Jets are in face-saving mode right now after being embarrassed the past two games, allowing 82 points to Miami and Jacksonville. Last week’s game, in which the Jets gave up points on eight of the Jaguars’ first nine drives, proved to be the final straw for Wilks.

Linebacker Quincy Williams said the Jets’ “pride factor” has to kick in now. Williams said everyone on the defense “had a huge part” in Wilks’ firing and “blood’s on all our hands” because they didn’t execute what was called. It has to be different under Harris.

“We got to make the calls come to life,” Williams said. “We have to have that mindset of “we’re going to have to do this. Just because Harris is calling the plays, he's also not going to be out there playing. So we're still going to have to make the calls that he gives us come alive.”

Harris’ future as the Jets' defensive coordinator could depend on it.

Notes & quotes: Tyrod Taylor (groin/knee) and Justin Fields (knee) were limited in practice. Taylor's knee was a new addition to the report. Glenn said whoever is healthier will be Brady Cook’s backup against the Saints . . . Williams is playing with a fractured right hand. He wore a cast last game and will continue to try to play through it . . . The Jets signed former Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker to the practice squad. Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand know Hooker from their time with Detroit.