A former Carolina Panthers coach and Charlotte native coach has taken a new NFL job, according to reports. Steve Wilks, who went to West Charlotte High School and App State, has been hired as the New York Jets’ next defensive coordinator.

The Jaguars, for the second time in as many years, want to interview a Panthers coach for their defensive coordinator position.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports that the Jags have requested an interview with Panthers defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley.

The New York Jets have agreed to bring on former NFL head coach Steve Wilks as the team’s defensive coordinator under coach Aaron Glenn, according to a league source.

Steve Wilks has agreed to terms to be the New York Jets' defensive coordinator under new head coach Aaron Glenn, multiple media outlets reported Wednesday night.

Steve Wilks, who ran the Niners' defense in 2023 and was head coach of the Cardinals in 2018, has agreed to become the Jets' defensive coordinator, sources told ESPN.

A person with knowledge of the decision says new Las Vegas Raiders coach Pete Carroll has retained defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.

Glenn was an assistant coach in Seattle from 2012 to 2023, serving in several roles, including coaching linebackers. He was an assistant special teams coach for the Washington Commanders this past season.

Wilks, who replaces Jeff Ulbrich as the Jets’ defensive coordinator, also has head coaching experience. He was Arizona’s coach in 2018 and was fired after the Cardinals finished 3-13. Wilks also was Carolina’s interim coach when he replaced the fired Matt Rhule in 2022 and went 6-6 with the Panthers.

Aaron Glenn's first staff in New York will include a former NFL head coach. The Jets are finalizing a deal to make former Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks their new defensive coordinator, as confirmed by CBS Sports NFL Insider Jonathan Jones.