Panthers bring back former coordinator Steve Wilks to fill open coaching spot
A reunion is happening.
The Panthers have agreed to terms with Charlotte native and former defensive coordinator Steve Wilks for the vacant secondary coach/passing game coordinator position, a source with direct knowledge of the hiring said.
The Panthers later confirmed the news in a press release.
Coach Matt Rhule interviewed Wilks for the opening Wednesday morning.
The job came available after Rhule granted permission for Jason Simmons to interview for a similar position with the Las Vegas Raiders. Simmons accepted it.
It took less than 24 hours for Wilks to get the job.
Wilks, 52, spent six seasons with the Panthers from 2012 to 2017 on former coach Ron Rivera’s staff. Five of those seasons, he coached defensive backs. In 2017, he was promoted to defensive coordinator.
The Panthers finished 11-5 and made the playoffs that season.
“Amazing hire in Wilks,” former Panthers safety Tre Boston, who played under Wilks from 2014-16, said in a text message. “I’ve never had a coach so detailed into his craft with such professionalism, yet player-driven.
“The way he’s able to coach and teach the game mentally and physically to each individual is what makes him so special.”
After the 2017 season, he was hired to be the Arizona Cardinals’ head coach, but was fired after only one year. The Cardinals finished 3-13 that season, which allowed them to draft quarterback Kyler Murray.
Wilks’ one-year stint was mentioned as an example in a lawsuit filed by Brian Flores last week against the NFL and three teams, which alleged discriminatory conduct.
Wilks is considered one of the best defensive minds in the NFL. He was the defensive coordinator for the Browns in 2019 and was most recently the defensive coordinator at Missouri.
Rhule’s latest hire shows that he’s trying to surround himself with coaches with experience.
The Panthers have now hired three assistant coaches with NFL head coaching experience this offseason, including offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo and special teams coordinator Chris Tabor.
“I believe Rhule benefits Year 3 by bringing in yet another NFL-experienced coach,” Boston said.
This story was originally published February 9, 2022 at 12:09 PM with the headline "Panthers bring back former coordinator Steve Wilks to fill open coaching spot."
