4 Panthers that can earn new deals over final 5 games in 2022

Steve Wilks – Carolina Panthers interim HC

In truth, Steve Wilks could not be doing much more in his quest to become head coach of the Carolina Panthers on a permanent basis. This is especially impressive after the popular figure inherited an ungodly mess from Matt Rhule, who was never up to being an NFL decision-maker and paid the price after just five games in 2022.

Despite the Panthers trading Christian McCaffrey and Robbie Anderson, there’s been a lot to like about Wilks’ ability to galvanize everyone associated with the organization. To say he’s made the best out of a bad situation would be a severe understatement, which has led to increasing calls for team owner David Tepper to make this a long-term arrangement when the time comes.

Tepper is unpredictable, so nobody could say for sure what his plans are. The billionaire cannot afford to make another mistake after Rhule’s couldn’t live up to even modest expectations, but the temptation of landing a marquee head coach is something he’ll undoubtedly consider no matter the repercussions.

This is for the future. Wilks is not one to focus too far ahead and is trying hard to ensure Carolina finishes off another rollercoaster campaign with something to cheer.

The pride is being restored and the players are fully on board with Wilks’ cultural reset. But a prolific end to the campaign is imperative to strengthen his claims and leave Tepper with no option other than to give him a legitimate chance.