Former Panthers Coach Given Chance to Make NFL Comeback in 2025
The NFL's coaching carousel is approaching max speeds as most firings have been decided and hirings are starting to take place. The Carolina Panthers were one of the teams to shake up their coaching staff following the end of the season, with a trio of defensive coaches being axed.
There are numerous openings around the league at head coach, both coordinator spots and various position coach roles, so it'd be no surprise to see personnel with ties to the Panthers end up finding new homes somewhere else for 2025. In fact, one prominent ex-Carolina coach has the chance to make his NFL comeback this offseason.
The #Colts have begun their defensive coordinator search, with former #Bengals DC Lou Anarumo and longtime NFL coach Steve Wilks among those expected to interview next week, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 9, 2025
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that former Panthers head coach Steve Wilks is expected to interview with the Indianapolis Colts for their open defenisve coordinator job this upcoming week. Indy opted to fire previous DC Gus Bradley after three years of struggles, opening the door for another coach to step in.
Many in Carolina are thrilled to see Wilks getting serious NFL interest again. His stint as the team's interim in 2022 generated support for him to take over full-time, yet he was passed over in favor of Frank Reich, who didn't even last an entire year into the job.
Wilks then landed a high-profile job as the San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator, yet the Niners questionably sent him packing after just one season. Those in San Fran and around the league took issue with this decision, especially since Wilks' defense ranked top 10 in both fewest yards and points allowed while making a run to the Super Bowl.
The veteran coach then settled for an advisory role with the Charlotte 49ers, which also raised eyebrows that a talented leader like himself was working in the college ranks on the heels of successful NFL stints.
However, Wilks' wild journey since his Panthers exit could pay off if he gets a coordinator job in Indy or elsewhere. It's clear some of the league is shifting back toward hiring experienced coaches, instead of taking chances on first-timers, which only adds to Wilks' appeal.
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