The Carolina Panthers announced on Friday that Steve Wilks will be the team’s new defensive coordinator following Sean McDermott’s departure to the Buffalo Bills.
Previously, Wilks was the Panthers secondary coach since 2012. He also has been the Panthers assistant head coach since 2015.
“I’m ready to step into this role and continue to do the things we’ve been doing and trying to get this defense back in the top five, top 10,” Wilks said.
Under Wilks leadership, the Panthers ranked second in the NFL with 17 interceptions during the 2016 season. During their 15-1 regular season in 2015, the Panthers led the NFL in interceptions with 24.
Since Wilks became the defensive backs coach in 2012, the Panthers have a league-leading 13 interceptions returned for touchdowns.
In 2015, the Panthers defense finished sixth in the league as they gave up 322.9 yards per game. In 2016, their defense dropped off as they ended the season ranked 21st in total defense as they gave up 359.8 yards per game as the Panthers dealt with injuries and personnel changes in the team’s secondary.
Former defensive coordinator McDermott ran a 4-3 scheme with the Panthers for the last six seasons. During that time, the Panthers ranked in the top 10 defensively from 2012-2015. Wilks says he is not planning any drastic changes to the Panthers defensive scheme next season as he hopes to return the team back to one of the better defenses in the league.
“We’ll stick with the 4-3,” Wilks said. “We’re going to (add wrinkles) and do a few things in the offseason just like we always do after you evaluate the tape and figure out ways to improve. But overall, the scheme isn’t going to change.”
Wilks is a native of Charlotte as he played at West Charlotte High School before playing collegiately at Appalachian State University. After college, Wilks began his coaching career down the road at Johnson C. Smith University as their defensive coordinator in 1995.
“It’s special in general because I’m one of 32 (defensive coordinators in the NFL), and to have it the opportunity to do it here at home, it’s almost surreal,” Wilks said. “I’m very fortunate, very blessed to be working with a great organization. I can recall when I was young working at Johnson C. Smith – cutting the grass, washing the clothes – dreaming of an opportunity like this one day to coach with the Carolina Panthers.”
Wilks has had many stops during his career as he debuted as an associate coach in the NFL in 2006 with the Chicago Bears as a defensive backs coach. He also was an associate coach with the San Diego Chargers before coming to Carolina in 2012.
Twitter: @antwanstaley
