Steve Wilks did all he could do for the Carolina Panthers. But unfortunately for the beloved Charlotte native, it just wasn’t enough.
On Thursday, the team announced the hiring of Frank Reich as their sixth full-time head coach. That decision, of course, has left Wilks out to dry—as he was one of three finalists for the position.
But, according to NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero, he may not be out there drying for long.
With Frank Reich hired as head coach in Carolina, Steve Wilks intends to coach elsewhere in 2023. He impressed many around the league in his interim stint, rallying the #Panthers to a 6-6 finish, and should have options.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 26, 2023
The 53-year-old took over for Matt Rhule, who dragged the team to a 1-4 start to the 2022 campaign. From there, Wilks captured the hearts and support of his players and the fans—rallying the Panthers to a relatively impressive 6-6 mark over his tenure as interim head coach and even getting them within striking distance of an improbable NFC South crown.
As of now, Wilks has not interviewed for any other head coaching jobs. He could, though, land elsewhere as a defensive coordinator—a prospect the Atlanta Falcons may be currently eyeing.
