Cardinals hire Steve Wilks as head coach on 4-year deal
The Arizona Cardinals announced Monday the hiring of Steve Wilks as their new head coach on a four-year contract with a team option for a fifth season.
Wilks served as the Carolina Panthers' defensive coordinator for the 2017 season, and had been employed by the team in different capacities since 2012. He has coached in the NFL since 2006, also spending time with the San Diego Chargers and Chicago Bears.
Wilks is expected to bring current Panthers linebackers coach Al Holcomb with him to Arizona as his defensive coordinator, a league source told Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Earlier, Cardinals star cornerback Patrick Peterson appeared to share his thoughts on the Wilks hire:
I LOVE IT.
— Patrick Peterson /P2 (@P2) January 22, 2018
Under Wilks in 2017, the Panthers ranked seventh in total defense, 11th in points allowed, third in rushing defense, and third in sacks.