Steve Wilks is an experienced NFL coach whose defensive expertise has taken him across multiple teams, from coordinator roles to head coaching stints. Known for his defensive emphasis and work with NFL defenses, Wilks’ career has seen ups, downs, and recent controversy — especially surrounding his time with the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Jets.
Who Is Steve Wilks? (Wiki Snapshot)
Steve Wilks (born August 28, 1967) is an American football coach with more than 30 years of coaching experience, including 16 seasons at the NFL level. His coaching journey spans collegiate roles, defensive leadership positions, and NFL head coaching responsibilities.
Coaching Beginnings & Early Career
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Wilks began his coaching career in college football in the 1990s, mainly focusing on defensive backs and defensive coordinator roles.
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He spent time as a defensive backs coach for NFL teams like the Chicago Bears and San Diego Chargers before earning coordinator roles.
NFL Highlights
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Arizona Cardinals (2018): Wilks served as head coach but struggled to a 3–13 record in his lone season.
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Carolina Panthers (2022): Served as interim head coach and defensive passing game coordinator, helping stabilize a struggling team.
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Cleveland Browns (2019): Defensive coordinator, helping improve the team’s pass defense significantly.
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University of Missouri (2021): Defensive coordinator before returning to the NFL.
Steve Wilks & the 49ers Defense
In 2023, Wilks was hired as the defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers — one of the league’s premier franchises.
Defense Performance Under Wilks
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Regular Season Rankings:
The 49ers finished #8 in total defense (yards allowed) and #3 in scoring defense under Wilks. -
Defensive Strengths:
San Francisco excelled at limiting points and was among the NFL’s top defenses statistically during the regular season. -
Criticism & Scheme Fit:
Despite strong defensive numbers, head coach Kyle Shanahan felt Wilks’ system did not perfectly align with the team’s philosophy, contributing to his dismissal.
Playoff & Super Bowl Outcome
The 49ers’ defense struggled in key moments in the Super Bowl LVIII, giving up critical yards and ultimately allowing the Chiefs to win in overtime — a factor in the decision to fire Wilks.
Fired From the 49ers & Jets
49ers Firing
Shortly after the Super Bowl LVIII loss, Wilks was released by the 49ers after just one season as defensive coordinator, despite regular-season defensive success.
Jets Tenure & Recent Firing
In 2025, Wilks was hired by the New York Jets as defensive coordinator under head coach Aaron Glenn. However, following a 48–20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and with the Jets defense performing inconsistently — ranked 20th in total defense and 30th in scoring defense — Wilks was fired mid-season.
Career Highlights & Rankings
Defense Rankings Over Time
| Team | Year | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| 49ers (Total Defense) | 2023 | #8 in the NFL |
| 49ers (Scoring Defense) | 2023 | #3 in NFL |
| Jets (Total Defense) | 2025 | #20 in NFL |
| Jets (Scoring Defense) | 2025 | #30 in NFL |
Wilks’ defenses have shown peaks — such as the strong 49ers performance — and valleys, evidenced by the Jets’ struggles. His career reflects the challenges of adapting defensive philosophy to different personnel and team cultures.
Legacy & Future Outlook
Despite recent setbacks, Wilks remains a respected figure in coaching circles due to his depth of experience and strong defensive foundations. Analysts note that his defensive units have produced top-tier rankings, even if consistency has varied. As of late 2025, Wilks has coaching prospects and remains on the radar for defensive coaching opportunities.
Conclusion
Steve Wilks’ NFL journey highlights both achievement and adversity. From leading top-10 defenses to handling firing headlines, his career arc continues to be a topic of interest for football fans and analysts alike. Whether Wilks gets another NFL role, his legacy as a defensive coach with both success and controversy is already firmly established.
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