The Carolina Panthers had one heck of a week leading up to Sunday—for their coaching staff, for their players and for their fans. But how that week ultimately ended is what makes this game so beautiful.
Following Carolina’s shocking upset win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7, owner David Tepper joined the team in the locker room for a joyous and almost therapeutic celebration. But he wasn’t just there to party. He had some business to take care of . . .
A hometown win by the hometown kid. pic.twitter.com/bcmLXdecys
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) October 23, 2022
The hometown kid, of course is interim head coach Steve Wilks—whose football journey took him full circle into that very moment. A Charlotte, N.C. native, an Appalachian State University alumnus and a well-respected presence within the organization chalked up his first win as the new leader of the Panthers.
Wilks first joined the franchise back in 2012, as a defensive backs coach under Ron Rivera. He’d stick on for five more seasons, also serving as an assistant head coach and defensive coordinator before being hired as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals for the 2018 campaign.
He’d return to Carolina this offseason, as Matt Rhule’s defensive passing game coordinator and secondary coach. Then, following Rhule’s dismissal just three weeks ago, he’d take the position many believed he deserved a chance at.
And now, Wilks has done what he has set out to do. He’s won the day.
