4 reasons Steve Wilks should become Panthers permanent head coach
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers players and fans believe in Steve Wilks
While the voices within the locker room stayed loyal to Matt Rhule until the end, a perceived lack of urgency in Week 5 from David Tepper was enough for the billionaire to end his expensive experiment early. That was dismissed by the players, but it’s clear there is renewed purpose and belief with Steve Wilks at the helm.
Those within the Carolina Panthers are eager to fight for Wilks after the way he was treated by the Arizona Cardinals. Team captain Shaq Thompson stated as much during an interview with Joe Person of The Athletic and more importantly, it’s coming across on the field.
Is it perfect? Not by a long shot.
Is it better than anything we’ve seen lately? No doubt about it.
This is also enhancing belief among the fans. The Panthers are fun to watch at long last, playing with urgency and physicality on both sides of the football that leaves some hope for the future.
A belief in Carolina football was non-existent towards the end of Rhule’s tenure. So for Wilks to bring this back in just a few short weeks is a remarkable accomplishment all things considered.
Of course, this might not be reflected in results with the interim head coach sitting at 1-2. But this organization must build from rock bottom after a catastrophic three years under Rhule’s absolute power.