The Atlanta Falcons have requested an interview with San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported on Thursday morning.
Wilks served as the interim head coach of the Carolina Panthers last season after the team fired Matt Rhule. Wilks nearly landed the full-time gig in Carolina, and when he didn’t, he took a job with Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco.
The 49ers defense was dominant this season under Wilks and is a big reason why they’re considered the favorites in the NFC as the playoffs begin.
The #Falcons requested permission to interview #49ers DC Steve Wilks for their head coach job, source says.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 11, 2024
The Falcons also requested an interview with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson on Thursday, per a report from NFL Network. Johnson is a popular choice among the fans, but it appears the team is going to take a big swing at former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.
Stay up to date with each Falcons interview request using our head coach tracker!
