NEW YORK (WBTV) – A former Carolina Panthers coach and Charlotte native coach has taken a new NFL job, according to reports.
Steve Wilks, who went to West Charlotte High School and App State, has been hired as the New York Jets’ next defensive coordinator.
The 55-year-old Wilks of course has deep roots in the Carolinas, but perhaps what he is best known for is his 12-game stint as the Panthers’ interim head coach in 2022. After then coach Matt Rhule was fired, Wilks assumed the role and nearly led Carolina to the playoffs.
During his 12 games, he coached the Panthers to a 6-6 record.
Panthers owner David Tepper infamously passed on giving Wilks the full-time job during the ensuing offseason, and instead opted to hire Frank Reich as head coach. Reich was later fired just 11 games into the 2023 season.
Wilks spent the 2023 season as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator and was out of the league in 2024. He spent the year in an advisory role with UNC Charlotte’s football team.
Now with the Jets, Wilks will be a key part of new head coach Aaron Glenn’s staff.
Respected and experienced, Wilks brings plenty of value to the table and has plenty of talent to work with. Cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams are among the best at their positions, while Haason Reddick and Will McDonald IV offer a stout pass rush.
The Panthers will get a chance to see their former coach in 2025 when Carolina travels to New York. Because schedules have not yet been released, it remains to be seen when exactly that matchup will be.
Related: Photos: Panthers legends spotted at UNC Charlotte football practice
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