A Panthers defensive assistant for the past six seasons, Steve Wilks could have a chance to interview with three teams for HC vacancies soon. The Colts, Giants and Lions have requested permission to meet with the first-year Carolina DC, Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer tweets.
Wilks cannot interview this week due to the Panthers’ wild-card assignment, but the 48-year-old coach could factor into the interview process soon after. The longtime assistant confirmed he’s received requests from each of these teams, Jourdan Rodrigue of the Charlotte Observer notes.
The Rams interviewed Wilks last year, and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com notes (video link) that powwow went well. This, and the leadership skills that have circulated about the first-time DC, have generated interest in Wilks, Rapoport notes.
Taking over for Sean McDermott this season, Wilks has the Panthers entering the playoffs as the league’s No. 7 defense and one that is No. 3 in rushing deterrence.
Sadly this screams Rooney Rule. I get the purpose of the rule, but it’s gotta be insulting to these guys when some of them know they’re only being brought in so the team fulfills the requirements of the rule and so they can hire someone else.
I strongly dislike the Rooney Rule and I’ve probably said so on many occasions, but I think Wilks is a legitimate candidate. He’s been connected to the Giants ever since they hired Gettleman, and he’s done really well with Carolina’s defense.
How does this scream Rooney Rule? Wilks helped the Panthers to the 7th ranked defense.
The lions were able to dig up Tommy Hudspith
for an initial interview but got the cold shoulder. It seems Hudspith prefers his slower life despite all the dead time.