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Giants Interview Steve Wilks for Defensive Coordinator Role

Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll's search or a new defensive coordinator continues.
Patricia Traina|
Giants Interview Steve Wilks for Defensive Coordinator Role
Giants Interview Steve Wilks for Defensive Coordinator Role

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New York Giants

The New York Giants continued their search for a new defensive coordinator by interviewing Steve Wilks, per a report.

Wilks, who interviewed for the Giants head coaching job in 2018, which ultimately went to Pat Shurmur, has been the defensive coordinator at Missouri since 2021. Before that, he was the Browns defensive coordinator in 2019. Before that, Wilks was the Cardinals offensive coordinator.

The 52-year-old Wilks was a part of six teams that reached the NFL Playoffs, including Super Bowl appearances with the Chicago Bears (Super Bowl XLI) and Carolina Panthers (Super Bowl L). During his 14 seasons in the NFL, five players earned All-Pro recognition under his guidance.

During his time in Cleveland, the Browns’ passing defense ranked seventh in the NFL, allowing just 216.9 yards per game. Before Cleveland, Wilks spent the 2018 season as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, the Arizona defense finishing fourth in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (210.0).

Wilks spent six seasons with the Carolina Panthers (2012-2017), where he served as the team’s defensive backs coach (2012-2016), working under future Bills head coach Sean McDermott, and defensive coordinator (2017) after McDermott left to be hired by the Bills.  

Wilks helped groom a Panthers defense to contribute to four playoff appearances in five seasons (2013, 2014, 2015, 2017) and an appearance in Super Bowl L following the 2015 season. The Panthers’ defense also finished in the NFL’s top 10 in total defense in five of Wilks’ six seasons on staff, including finishing second in 2013 and seventh in 2017, his lone season as Defensive Coordinator. 

Before Carolina, Wilks was a defensive backs coach for the San Diego Chargers (2009-2011) and the Chicago Bears (2006-2008).

The Giants had hoped to retain Patrick Graham in the defensive coordinator role for a third season and his first under Daboll. However, on Friday, Graham accepted the defensive coordinator's position with the Las Vegas Raiders under their new head coach, Josh McDaniels, with whom Graham worked in New England.

Earlier on Sunday, it was reported out of Pittsburgh that Teryl Austin, who reportedly interviewed for the Giants' job, is expected to be named the Steelers' new defensive coordinator as soon as Monday, replacing the retired Kevin Butler.

The Giants have also reportedly met with former Ravens defensive coordinator Don Wink Martindale, former Bears defensive coordinator Sean Desai, and Titans defensive consultant assistant Jim Schwartz.

Here is the list of assistant coaches linked to Daboll's new staff:

  • Offensive Coordinator: Mike Kafka
  • Quarterbacks: Shea Tierney
  • Offensive Line: Bobby Johnson
  • Tight Ends: Andy Bischoff
  • Defensive Secondary: Jerome Henderson
  • Special Teams Coordinator: Thomas McGaughey
  • Director of Coaching Operations: Laura Young

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Patricia Traina
PATRICIA TRAINA

Patricia Traina has covered the New York Giants for 30+ seasons, and her work has appeared in multiple media outlets, including The Athletic, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and the Sports Illustrated media group. As a credentialed New York Giants press corps member, Patricia has also covered five Super Bowls (three featuring the Giants), the annual NFL draft, and the NFL Scouting Combine. She is the author of The Big 50: The Men and Moments that Made the New York Giants. In addition to her work with New York Giants On SI, Patricia hosts the Locked On Giants podcast. Patricia is also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the Football Writers Association of America.

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