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.
Vikings defensive coordinator
Should the Carolina Panthers decide that a fresh start is needed despite the phenomenal impact made by Steve Wilks, it would be a shocking turn of events for a franchise that cannot seem to acquire the stability needed to contend. David Tepper’s next move must be correct, so leaning on his football people rather than being impulsive is absolutely imperative.
Wilks could generate head coaching interest elsewhere in this scenario. But as we’ve seen across the league, teams are looking for a hot new thing rather than someone with his experience for some unbeknown reason.
If Wilks doesn’t get an opportunity elsewhere in the head coaching cycle, then the Minnesota Vikings should be on the phone immediately. Kevin O’Connell’s done well during his first season as head coach, but their once-proud defense is giving up substantial yardage and could be their undoing unless huge adjustments aren’t made before the postseason.
Ed Donatell’s 3-4 base scheme is not bringing the best out of some outstanding playmakers. Should things progress in a similar fashion during Minnesota’s remaining engagements, then it might be worth O’Connell looking at alternatives.
Wilks knows how to successfully run a defense. He also boasts enough experience to help O’Connell improve further as a head coach in this eventuality.
Texans defensive coordinator/head coach
Lovie Smith’s first full campaign as head coach of the Houston Texans hasn’t been a bed of roses. While his players are still displaying grit if their narrow loss at the Dallas Cowboys is any indication, the roster is devoid of genuine quality compared to others around the league.
Whether Smith is around to see out this rebuild is the big question. The Texans could use this opportunity to acquire someone else with the No. 1 overall selection well within reach, which leaves them with the first refusal for a top quarterback prospect such as Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud.
If Smith is removed, then Steve Wilks’ performance in difficult circumstances with the Carolina Panthers warrants an interview, at the very least. Should those in power give their current coach another shot, then it shifts the landscape.
Smith’s defensive unit remains a serious problem. Therefore, it would be prudent for the savvy veteran to call Wilks and see if he’d be interested in coming on board if other head coaching offers don’t arrive.
A tandem of Wilks and Smith could be the springboard to better things in Houston. And if all else fails, then the Texans have a ready-made interim that can step in at a moment’s notice and inspire.
Lions defensive coordinator
The Detroit Lions might be languishing in mediocrity once again. But upon further examination, this is a team right on the cusp of something special providing the right reinforcements are brought into the franchise this offseason.
Dan Campbell is a strong motivator who has his team fighting for every yard. And their win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14 indicates things are trending in the right direction gradually.
Although the Lions’ defense is making strides, there’s something missing in pursuit of getting them over the hump. If Steve Wilks cannot get a permanent promotion from the Carolina Panthers and doesn’t secure another head coaching position, this is someone that could instantly assist in Detroit as defensive coordinator.
Campbell’s no-nonsense, old-school approach seems in keeping with Wilks’ ethos. So it would be a big shock if the two parties didn’t hit it off if fate puts them together.
The Lions have talent on the defensive side of things, it’s the structure more than anything that’s preventing them from becoming a real force. Based on the complete transformation attained by Wilks in Carolina, this would be a slam-dunk hire.
David Tepper would be foolish to let Wilks walk, in all honesty. But if the billionaire cannot see the wood through the trees, then there should be a queue of suitors to choose from.