Steve Wilks facts for kids
Wilks in 2024
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| New York Jets | |
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| Position: | Defensive coordinator |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | August 8, 1969 Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| High school: | West Charlotte |
| College: | Appalachian State (1987–1991) |
| Career history | |
| As player: | |
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| As coach: | |
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| Head coaching record | |
| Regular season: | NCAA: 5–6 (.455) NFL: 9–19 (.321) |
| Coaching stats at PFR | |
Steven Bernard Wilks (born August 8, 1969) is an American football coach. He is currently the defensive coordinator for the New York Jets in the National Football League (NFL).
Wilks has spent most of his career helping teams on defense. He was an assistant coach for the Carolina Panthers when they played in Super Bowl 50. He was also the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers when they reached Super Bowl LVIII. Wilks has also been a head coach for the Arizona Cardinals in 2018 and an interim head coach for the Panthers in 2022.
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Early Life and Playing Football
Wilks was born in Charlotte, North Carolina. He went to West Charlotte High School. He played football as a defensive back for Appalachian State University. He played there from 1987 to 1991.
In 1993, Wilks played one year in the Arena Football League. He played for the Charlotte Rage. He played as a wide receiver, defensive back, and kick returner.
Coaching Career Highlights
College Coaching Experience
Wilks started his coaching career in college football. He was the head coach at Savannah State College for one season in 1999. His team had 5 wins and 6 losses that year. He coached college teams until 2005.
Coaching in the NFL
Chicago Bears
On February 16, 2006, Wilks joined the Chicago Bears. He was their defensive backs coach. He worked with the team until December 2008.
San Diego Chargers
In 2009, Wilks became the defensive backs coach for the San Diego Chargers. He worked with Ron Rivera, who had been his defensive coordinator with the Bears.
Carolina Panthers (First Time)
When Ron Rivera became the head coach of the Panthers, he hired Wilks. Wilks joined the Carolina Panthers as their secondary coach on January 15, 2012. In 2015, he was promoted to assistant head coach.
During the 2015 season, the Panthers had a great year, winning 15 games and losing only 1. They made it all the way to Super Bowl 50 in February 2016. However, they lost to the Denver Broncos 24–10.
After the Panthers' defensive coordinator left, Wilks was promoted to that role in 2017.
Arizona Cardinals
On January 22, 2018, Wilks became the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. His first game as head coach was a loss. In Week 5, he earned his first NFL victory as a head coach against the San Francisco 49ers. He finished the 2018 season with 3 wins and 13 losses. This was the team's worst record since 2000. The Cardinals fired Wilks on December 31, 2018.
Cleveland Browns
On January 14, 2019, Wilks was hired by the Cleveland Browns. He served as their defensive coordinator under head coach Freddie Kitchens. He left the team before the 2020 season.
Missouri Tigers
After 13 seasons in the NFL, Wilks returned to college football. On January 21, 2021, he became the defensive coordinator for the University of Missouri.
Carolina Panthers (Second Time)
On February 9, 2022, Wilks returned to the Carolina Panthers. He was hired as their defensive pass game coordinator and secondary coach. On October 10, 2022, the head coach was fired. Wilks was then named the Panthers' interim head coach for the rest of the season. He led the team to a 6–6 record over the remaining 12 weeks.
San Francisco 49ers
On February 9, 2023, the San Francisco 49ers hired Wilks as their defensive coordinator. The team's general manager confirmed this hiring. After the 2023 season, the 49ers lost in Super Bowl LVIII. Wilks was fired on February 14, 2024, after a season where the defense had some ups and downs.
Charlotte 49ers
In August 2024, Wilks became a volunteer advisor for the Charlotte 49ers football program.
New York Jets
On February 1, 2025, the New York Jets announced Wilks as their new defensive coordinator. He will work under head coach Aaron Glenn.
Head Coaching Records
College Record
| Team | Year | Overall | Conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Savannah State | 1999 | 5–6 | 3–4 |
NFL Record
| Team | Year | Regular Season | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Won | Lost | Ties | Win % | ||
| ARI | 2018 | 3 | 13 | 0 | .188 |
| CAR* | 2022 | 6 | 6 | 0 | .500 |
* – Interim head coach
Personal Life
Wilks is a Christian. He is married to Marcia Wilks. They have two daughters and one son.
