4 potential jobs for Steve Wilks if Panthers look elsewhere in 2023
By Dean Jones
What jobs could interest Steve Wilks if David Tepper decides on a different route for the Carolina Panthers in 2022?
Even though Steve Wilks is doing a tremendous job as interim head coach, there are still some within the national media that believe the Carolina Panthers will go in a different direction in 2023. David Tepper is believed to want a young, offensive-minded man at the helm, which would be a big risk considering how his gamble to prise Matt Rhule from the college ranks turned out.
Wilks won’t be worrying about that right now. His sole focus is on leading the Panthers to an unlikely playoff berth, which is entirely possible thanks to their stunning victory at the Seattle Seahawks in Week 14.
If Wilks accomplishes this mission, it would be almost impossible for Tepper to look the other way. But the billionaire is unpredictable at the best of times, so things are still teetering on a knife edge for the respected figure heading into Carolina’s final four games.
Should the Panthers go with another figurehead for their next permanent head coach, here are some potential job openings that Wilks should be considered for.
Potential Job No. 1
Broncos head coach
Big things were expected of the Denver Broncos this season. The appointment of Nathaniel Hackett as head coach and the trade for Russell Wilson led many to believe this could be a dark horse contender in 2022, but that’s not exactly come to fruition.
The Broncos look lost, rudderless, and without much in the way of inspiration. If this results in Hackett losing his job after just one season, Steve Wilks has already proven capable of turning around a struggling franchise after the Carolina Panthers rightfully fired Matt Rhule.
There is much more to being a head coach than being a bright offensive mind. Wilks’ ability to lead men shouldn’t be overlooked by David Tepper or any other team looking for a new shot-caller.