The New York Jets have reportedly found their new defensive coordinator. According to a report, Gregg Williams is set to fill the vacancy.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that Williams and the Jets — who had previously been in contact with each other — are finalizing a deal.
Jets finalizing deal with former Browns’ interim HC Gregg Williams to become their defensive coordinator, per source. Williams was the defensive coordinator the Jets were targeting no matter who their HC was; they got their man.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 15, 2019
Williams previously served as defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns in 201. He held that job until he was promoted to interim head coach after Hue Jackson was fired eight games into the 2018 season. With Williams as head coach, the Browns were 5-3, compared to 2-5-1 under Jackson.
Williams is perhaps best known for his time as the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints. There, he won a Super Bowl in 2009, but was ultimately fired in 2011. After getting fired, Williams was suspended by the league for running a bounty system that rewarded his players for knocking opponents out of games.
Williams returned from suspension after the 2012 season. Since then, he served as a defensive assistant for the Tennessee Titans in 2013 and the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams from 2014-2016 before going to Cleveland.
In New York, Williams will inherit a defense that, to put it bluntly, can use some work. In 2018, the Jets were 25th in total yards, 24th in passing yards, 26th in rushing, and 29th in points.