4 reasons Steve Wilks should become Panthers permanent head coach

Steve Wilks is the embodiment of the Carolina Panthers’ culture

The message was simple during Steve Wilks’ introductory press conference. It was time for the Carolina Panthers to start fighting for their culture and bring a sense of belonging back after so much disenchantment.

Wilks was around the franchise for some of its greatest moments. Although some legendary figures have since departed, the interim head coach is the embodiment of football in the Carolinas and is putting this knowledge to good use in a prominent position of power.

The Keep Pounding mantra that became an afterthought under Matt Rhule was center stage once again. A willingness to do whatever it takes to push forward in the face of tremendous adversity.

This is rubbing off on the players, too. The level of respect for Wilks was there from the moment his promotion was confirmed and with some fine tweaking to the roster this offseason, this is a coach that can lead the Panthers back to relevancy.

All he needs is a chance. But whether team owner David Tepper is willing to move forward with Wilks will be dependent on how the Panthers perform over their remaining fixtures and if enough progress is demonstrated on and off the field.

As of right now, it’s so far, so good for Wilks. A proud man deeply connected to the region that is the very fabric of what’s made Carolina great over the years.

Something that should give him an outstanding chance of being the head coach in 2023 and possibly beyond.