Ranking the 6 shortlisted candidates for Panthers head coach in 2023

Steve Wilks – Carolina Panthers interim HC

David Tepper stated when Steve Wilks was promoted that he’d need to do an incredible job in pursuit of winning the job long-term.

Mission accomplished.

Wilks completely turned around the Carolina Panthers after Matt Rhule’s torrid three years as head coach mercifully ended. Restoring the culture, installing belief across the fanbase, and getting the locker room all pulling in the same direction were just three key accomplishments from the interim, which almost brought an unlikely NFC South title before faltering at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Going 6-6 with a threadbare coaching staff and without Christian McCaffrey is a remarkable achievement. One that is made more impressive by how low morale became thanks to Rhule’s inept leadership.

The players want Wilks. Most of the fans want him, too.

But that won’t matter if Tepper feels like going in a different direction.

Wilks is a defensive-minded guy and the only one currently shortlisted. However, a recent revelation by ESPN’s insider Jeremy Fowler indicates the former Arizona Cardinals head coach has already put plans in place to form a staff capable of moving the offense forward.

Continuity and stability have been missing from the Panthers since Tepper bought the franchise from Jerry Richardson. This has to change and Wilks can accomplish it.