Steve Wilks facts for kids
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Wilks with the San Francisco 49ers in 2024
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| Personal information | |
| Born: | August 8, 1969 Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| High school: | West Charlotte (NC) |
| College: | Appalachian State |
| Career history | |
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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 has worked for many teams in the National Football League (NFL). He is known for being a defensive coach.
Wilks was the assistant head coach and defensive backs coach for the Carolina Panthers. This was 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. He was also the interim head coach for the Panthers in 2022.
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 at Appalachian State University. He played there from 1987 to 1991.
In 1993, Wilks played for 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
Steve Wilks has coached football at both college and professional levels. He started his coaching career in colleges.
College Coaching Experience
Wilks was the head coach at Savannah State College for one season in 1999. His team had 5 wins and 6 losses. He continued coaching college football until 2005.
NFL Coaching Journey
Wilks started coaching in the NFL in 2006.
Chicago Bears
On February 16, 2006, the Chicago Bears hired Wilks. He became their defensive backs coach. He worked with the Bears until December 2008.
San Diego Chargers
In 2009, Wilks joined the San Diego Chargers. He was hired as their defensive backs coach. He worked with Ron Rivera, who later became a head coach.
First Time with Carolina Panthers
On January 15, 2012, Wilks became the secondary coach for the Carolina Panthers. He was hired by head coach Ron Rivera. In 2015, he was promoted to assistant head coach.
During the 2015 season, the Panthers had a great record of 15 wins and 1 loss. They made it to Super Bowl 50 on February 7, 2016. However, they lost to the Denver Broncos 24–10.
After the defensive coordinator left, Wilks was promoted to that role in 2017. Many teams were interested in him as a head coach.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach
On January 22, 2018, Wilks was hired as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. His first game as head coach was a loss. In Week 5, he got his first NFL win as a head coach against the San Francisco 49ers. The team finished the season with 3 wins and 13 losses. This was their worst record since 2000. The Cardinals fired Wilks on December 31, 2018.
Cleveland Browns Defensive Coordinator
On January 14, 2019, Wilks became the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns. He worked under head coach Freddie Kitchens. He left the team before the 2020 season.
Return to College Football
On January 21, 2021, Wilks returned to college football. He became the defensive coordinator for the University of Missouri.
Second Time with Carolina Panthers
On February 9, 2022, Wilks came back 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 in the remaining 12 games. However, he was not chosen for the permanent head coaching job.
San Francisco 49ers Defensive Coordinator
On February 9, 2023, the San Francisco 49ers hired Wilks as their defensive coordinator. The team's general manager, John Lynch, confirmed this hiring. On February 14, 2024, he was fired after the 49ers lost in Super Bowl LVIII.
In August 2024, Wilks became a volunteer advisor for the Charlotte 49ers football team.
Personal Life
Steve Wilks is a Christian. He is married to Marcia Wilks. They have two daughters and one son.
