Given the relatively bare cupboard of the Carolina Panthers, many people in the football world thought Steve Wilks should’ve stayed on as their head coach after the 2022 season.
For a squad that many pegged to be in line for the No. 1 overall pick, Wilks instead took Carolina to an admirable 6-6 record as their interim coach. Unfortunately for the established defensive mind — who once led the Arizona Cardinals in an impossible situation — he would be passed over for former Indianapolis Colts’ leader Frank Reich.
If Wilks does eventually want to be a head coach again, though, he probably couldn’t have picked a better new job. On Tuesday, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, it was revealed Wilks was hired as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator.
Talk about a perfect fit for a monstrous defense that just played in the NFC title game:
The #49ers plan to hire Steve Wilks as their defensive coordinator, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
Wilks replaces DeMeco Ryans, who is now the #Texans’ head coach, and lands in an ideal spot. pic.twitter.com/vyOwVu0QPE
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 7, 2023
Wilks taking the helm of the 49ers’ defense isn’t only significant because he’ll likely keep them playing at a high level. He could soon be the third 49ers’ defensive coordinator in as many years to be a hot head coaching commodity.
After helping San Francisco to Super Bowl 54, Robert Saleh would eventually become the New York Jets head coach. Then, with DeMeco Ryans keeping the 49ers’ dominant defensive gravy train rolling along, the Houston Texans brought him aboard as their main sideline leader.
If all goes well for Wilks with a star-studded defense, it’s not hard to see teams clamoring for his services in one of the next few head coaching cycles. Think about it. If Wilks can make the Panthers look respectable, what will he accomplish with names like likely Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Talanoa Hufanga?
Start penciling Wilks in to be someone’s new head coach by the mid-2020s at the absolute latest.
NFL fans had similar thoughts about Wilks' future head coaching prospects after being hired by the 49ers
Great hire for the @49ers. Incredible leader and man. SF getting an HC caliber coach to re-load that defensive talent. https://t.co/JRPqUWgors
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) February 7, 2023
Wilks will be a head coach again by 2026. Niners keep hitting home runs at DC. https://t.co/UosOGjOSbH
— Vish Kumaran (@VishKumaran) February 7, 2023
49ers will get another 2 3rd round comp picks this time next year for another HC hire. https://t.co/ZrjnS2fYUV
— Jair Lopez (@TXNFootball) February 7, 2023
Great hire for both sides https://t.co/U2kUhUfkaW
— lindsey ok (@lindseyyok) February 7, 2023
The last two #49ers DCs have ended up as head coaches — Robert Saleh and DeMeco Ryans. Will Steve Wilks be next? https://t.co/99TyFU726W
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 7, 2023
Great hire. He will be a head coach next season. Niners are doing it right with getting these great defensive coaches who are poc or Black n showcasing their talents to the league. https://t.co/iOdLXTz8gz
— Chellez💜💜✊🏾🇹🇹 (@Islandtrinigyal) February 7, 2023
Good for Wilks! He should be back in the Head Coach talks in a year or 2 https://t.co/gIJqM29GnM
— Chinnsanity! (@NotTheRealChinn) February 7, 2023
Great get for the #49ers https://t.co/1WmxTcVQcP
— Kevin Brown (@KevinBrownNFL) February 7, 2023
Steve Wilks is heading to the 49ers as their defensive coordinator.
Well deserved and earned.Next stop: head coach.
— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) February 7, 2023
The 49ers plan to hire former Panthers interim head coach Steve Wilks as their new defensive coordinator, source confirms NFL Network report.
The last two 49ers defensive coordinators have gone on to head-coaching roles.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) February 7, 2023
