The Falcons are continuing their search for their vacant defensive coordinator position, moving on to Steve Wilks, who is interviewing for the job, per Jeremy Fowler.
Wilks is a long-time coach whose last stop was with the 49ers in 2023. Before that, he began the 2022 campaign as the Panthers defensive pass game coordinator and secondary coach before spending the final six games of the season as the interim head coach after Carolina fired Matt Rhule.
Prior to that, he was the Cardinals head coach but was relieved after just one season. From 2012 to 2017, Wilks held various positions with the Panthers — defensive backs coach (2012-14), assistant head coach and defensive backs coach (2015-16) and assistant head coach and defensive coordinator (2017).
He was expected to be a top candidate for any team with an opening at defensive coordinator. The Colts are going to interview Wilks, and he ironically interviewed for the Falcons head coaching vacancy last offseason prior to Raheem Morris landing the job.
The veteran coach spent time with the Falcons too, even after being passed over for the head coach job, visiting multiple practices during training camp. Though he didn’t work in the league this past season, he’s as experienced as any candidate on the market.
So far, the Falcons have Wink Martindale and Lou Aranumo on the books for an interview, along with Steve Wilks. Morris continues to expand his search, and it’s wise to do so. I’d expect an even wider net to be cast into the hiring pool as the search progresses.
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Photographer: John Byrum/Icon Sportswire
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