Skip to content

Panthers name Steve Wilks defensive coordinator

Tom Szczerbowski / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Carolina Panthers have hired from within to replace Sean McDermott.

Assistant head coach Steve Wilks, who's worked with the defensive backs for each of his first five seasons with Carolina, was officially named defensive coordinator Friday.

McDermott leaves big shoes to fill as he departs for the head coaching job in Buffalo, as he's long been considered one of the NFL's brightest defensive minds.

Wilks is also a key member of the Panthers' staff, though, and the interest he received as a head coaching candidate this offseason is the latest indicator of his continued rise through the ranks.

The 47-year-old will be tasked with leading a typically stout Panthers defense back from a frustrating season in which it ranked 21st in yards allowed and 26th in scoring.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox