"We ride behind Wilks," linebacker Shaq Thompson told"He's done amazing. Look what we've been going through."
Panthers QB Sam Darnold said Steve Wilks has done a great job with communicating with players, and is very much in support of his return next season.Wilks is 5-6 as the interim coach, and that's not bad considering he took over a 1-4 team. The Panthers have played hard, and had some nice wins. They were in the NFC South race until the fourth quarter last week, when they blew a lead against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Wilks had one shot to be an NFL head coach before this season and got a bit of a raw deal. He went 3-13 leading the 2018 Arizona Cardinals. He took over a team that just coach Bruce Arians and quarterback Carson Palmer to injury. His quarterback most of that season was rookie Josh Rosen, who struggled, was traded after the season and has thrown 120 passes since. Wilks was moved out after just one season for Kliff Kingsbury, a curious hire who hasn't worked out.in 2019.
Since buying the Panthers, Tepper has gained the reputation of being a splashy, impulsive owner. Giving Wilks the permanent head coaching job wouldn't be splashy. The reported pursuit of Harbaugh should give some perspective on what Tepper is looking for this coaching cycle. The last time he was looking for a head coach he shocked the NFL by signing Rhule to a seven-year, $62 million deal.
The Panthers players have spoken. It seems like many of them would be in favor of Wilks coming back next season. He has done a good enough job to get consideration. Will Tepper look into Wilks' candidacy with an open mind?