3 Carolina Panthers facing a do-or-die final four games in 2022

Steve Wilks – Carolina Panthers interim HC

There’s no doubt Steve Wilks couldn’t be doing much more to convince David Tepper to remove the interim tag. This isn’t permitted right now because of the Rooney Rule, but the former Arizona Cardinals head coach can give his chances a substantial shot in the arm by leading the Carolina Panthers to a home playoff game as NFC South title winners.

Even though Wilks is adding to his exceptional reputation in league circles, some within the national media are suggesting it’s an uphill climb no matter how the Panthers get on in the coming weeks. Insiders such as Dan Graziano and Albert Breer remain adamant Tepper will go after a young offensive mind, which would be extremely harsh.

Tepper is unpredictable when it comes to making important decisions. And his track record since purchasing the Panthers from Jerry Richardson for a then-record $2.2 billion leaves a lot to be desired.

Wilks is a proud man that loves this team. His methods have everyone on board within the locker room, but Tepper’s opinion is all that matters when push comes to shove.

Momentum is everything in football. Wilks had the biggest challenge imaginable after Matt Rhule was fired, a task that was made more difficult by Christian McCaffrey’s trade and other coaches leaving for pastures new.

In the circumstances, he’s done a remarkable job. But that might not be enough to become the team’s permanent head coach without a lights-out end to the campaign.