Aaron Glenn shakes up Jets defense in season marked by uncomfortable decisions in 1st year as coach

Aaron Glenn has had quite the crash course in adversity, change and uncomfortable decisions in his first year as the New York Jets coach.

He fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks on Monday, a day after the Jets were blown out 48-20 in Jacksonville. It was just the latest in a season filled with lousy performances by the defense.

Glenn, who shoulders the blame for the team's overall performance, had defended Wilks through the struggles, even as New York was missing tackles, allowing opposing runners to slice through the defense and failing to come up with any interceptions this season — tying an NFL record for futility for a 14-game stretch.

But Glenn considered the big picture and changed his mind late Sunday night, making the call that seemed inevitable.

''I'm going to make the decision that's best for this organization at all times,'' the coach said. ''And it's my job to make sure I continue to evaluate everything that's going on. And I told you guys that, and that's my job as the head coach. And I just thought this was the time for me to make that decision.''

It was similar to his choice last month to send Justin Fields to the bench in favor of Tyrod Taylor, despite weeks of talking up the quarterback as the offense sagged and insisting Fields was doing everything that was asked.

Except for playing well and winning.

Glenn, who has had confrontations with reporters at times, knows he has a long way to go as a head coach, and his shortcomings on some in-game decisions are proof. But he also has been showing that he's not afraid to change things up as the Jets soon head into an offseason that likely will shape the franchise for years to come.

''I want to see the culture of this football team in these last three games and that is what we are evaluating also,'' Glenn said. ''Listen, I don't think we have a culture problem. But the thing is, I want to make sure the things that we've been building up to this point stays exactly where it is and even improves.''

What's working

Not much. There's a reason the Jets are 3-11 and have parted ways with their defensive coordinator. New York's special teams unit has been mostly solid all season, but it's an ominous sign when your kicker and punter are among the team's only true MVPs.

What needs help

Glenn said Monday he would take the next few days to evaluate everything before deciding if Cook would start again, or if Taylor or Fields will be able to come back from injury to return under center.

Stock up

RB Isaiah Davis. The backup to Breece Hall scored his first touchdown of the season Sunday, a nice 24-yard run. Davis finished with a team-leading 58 yards on nine carries, good for a 6.4-yard average, and had a 7-yard catch.

Stock down

Edge rushers Will McDonald and Jermaine Johnson. Expected to provide a boost to the Jets' pass rush, both have only shown flashes this season. McDonald has a team-leading seven sacks, but none in the last five games after he had four against Cleveland. Johnson, who has three sacks in his return from a torn Achilles tendon last season, had no quarterback pressures on 18 pass rushes against Jacksonville, according to Next Gen Stats.

S Isaiah Oliver was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury and DB Keidron Smith was signed to take his roster spot. ... Glenn said Johnson was dealing with a neck ailment during the game but is expected to be fine. ... S Tony Adams (groin) and DE Eric Watts (concussion) were dealing with injuries sustained in the game. ... Taylor (groin) and Fields (knee) will be evaluated through the week.

Key number

0 — The Jets are still waiting for their first interception. If they don't get one in their next game, they would break a tie with the San Francisco 49ers for the longest overall drought.

Next steps

The Jets head to New Orleans to take on a Saints team on Sunday in a game that could go a long way in determining the NFL draft order in April. New York currently holds the No. 5 pick, according to Tankathon, while New Orleans (4-10) has won two in a row and is at No. 7.