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New York Jets Fire DC Steve Wilks Immediately After Crushing Loss to Bills

Steve Wilks and Aaron Glenn's styles make for unique Jets pairing

East Rutherford, NJ – September 14, 2025 – The New York Jets wasted no time making sweeping changes after their humiliating Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Just minutes after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium, the team officially announced the firing of defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.

The decision came after a disastrous defensive performance in which the Jets surrendered 30 points in a lopsided 30–10 defeat, including multiple explosive plays from MVP quarterback Josh Allen. Despite entering the season with high expectations for their defensive unit, the Jets were unable to contain Buffalo’s passing attack or stop running back James Cook, who found the end zone in the second half.

Wilks, hired in February 2025 to revamp Aaron Glenn’s defense, faced immediate backlash for his aggressive blitz packages that left the secondary exposed. Fans and analysts were quick to call out his failure to adjust after Allen torched the Jets’ coverage with three touchdown passes. Social media lit up with demands for his firing even before the game ended, with “#FireWilks” trending nationwide.

Head coach Aaron Glenn addressed the move bluntly in the postgame press conference:

“This is a results-driven league. We have the players, but the execution and leadership on defense haven’t been there. It’s clear we need a new direction, and we need it now.”

The Jets had been hopeful after a strong Week 1 showing, but the collapse against the Bills erased much of the early optimism. With Wilks out, linebackers coach Marquand Manuel is expected to step in as interim defensive coordinator as New York braces for a Week 3 showdown against the Buccancers’ high-powered offense.

For the Jets’ front office, the firing sends a message that accountability will be immediate. For the locker room, it is a stark reminder that patience in the NFL is razor-thin when expectations aren’t met.

Now, the Jets face the daunting challenge of repairing a fractured defense—just as their AFC East rivals gain momentum.

Steelers Add Two Former Packers Fan Favorites to Practice Squad To Strengthen Defense Ahead Of Browns Game
  PITTSBURGH – On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed two linebackers formerly with the Green Bay Packers for a workout session. The players invited were Michael Barrett and Isaiah Simmons, as the team looks to bolster its defensive unit ahead of upcoming games. Isaiah Simmons, selected as the 8th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, has appeared in 84 games. He has recorded 329 tackles (226 solo, 103 assisted), 8.5 sacks (74 yards), 5 interceptions (127 yards), 2 interception touchdowns, 9 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. Simmons, who briefly signed with the Packers in 2025 but didn’t make the final roster, is known for his versatility and impressive speed. Michael Barrett, a 7th-round pick (240th overall) by the Carolina Panthers in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Michigan, has limited NFL experience. He has appeared in a few games on practice squads with teams like the Packers and Browns but has yet to record significant stats (0 tackles, sacks, or interceptions). At Michigan, Barrett had a standout final college season with 65 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. Alex Highsmith, a key linebacker for the Steelers, suffered a high ankle sprain during the team’s Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on September 14, 2025. The injury sidelined him for Weeks 3 and 4, with an estimated recovery time of 4-6 weeks. While Highsmith was not placed on injured reserve to maintain roster flexibility, he is still recovering post-bye week and expected to return soon. However, the Steelers are seeking temporary replacements for the edge rusher position. The workouts with Barrett and Simmons reflect head coach Mike Tomlin’s cautious approach to adding depth to the defense, especially after releasing Ja’Whaun Bentley and losing Jon Rhattigan to the Raiders. Simmons, with his experience and athleticism, could be an ideal short-term option to support T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig. The Steelers have not yet announced any contract decisions regarding the two linebackers. SOURCE: https://x.com/FarabaughFB/status/1976031373946388722