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NFC Team Has Interest in Steve Wilks for Defensive Coordinator Job

The former interim head coach of the Panthers receives his first call.

For whatever reason, none of the other four teams with a head coaching vacancy expressed interest in Carolina Panthers interim head coach Steve Wilks. 

Wilks did a remarkable job turning the season around despite losing his best player, Christian McCaffrey, in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers. The Panthers went 6-6 on his watch and were in the mix for a division title and playoff berth heading into a Week 17 matchup with Tampa Bay. 

Wilks was a finalist for the Panthers head coaching job, but lost out to Frank Reich, who was officially introduced today.

Shortly following the news of Reich's hire on Thursday, it became known that Wilks would be coaching elsewhere in 2023. Since he is still under contract with Carolina, teams must submit a request to speak with him. On Tuesday, the San Francisco 49ers did just that, planning to interview him for their defensive coordinator job, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

DeMeco Ryans, who was the Niners' defensive coordinator, is in agreement with the Houston Texans on a six-year deal to become their next head coach.

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