Wilks claps back at Mayfield for comment about Panthers tenure
New York Jets defensive coordinator Steve Wilks said Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield's comments following Tampa Bay's 29-27 win last week were misguided.
Mayfield said the Bucs' victory over the Jets was personal because "their D coordinator was the one that cut me in Carolina," according to ESPN's Rich Cimini.
The Panthers named Wilks interim head coach during the 2022 campaign after firing Matt Rhule five games into the season. Ten days after promoting Wilks from defensive pass-game coordinator, the Panthers traded star tailback Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers in October.
"I don't know how long you've been doing this," Wilks said to a reporter Friday, "but I'm sure you're quite educated on it. I don't really think an interim coach has that much authority over personnel. If that's the case, I would've never gotten rid of our best player, Christian McCaffrey."
Mayfield passed for 1,313 yards, six touchdowns, and six interceptions with a 57.8% completion rate in seven games with the Panthers. He compiled a 1-5 record as a starter in Carolina before the team released him that December.
Wilks said Mayfield had asked for his release after learning that he would no longer start or serve as the backup in Carolina.
At the time, Wilks told reporters: "This is a tough business. Sitting in this seat, it was a tough decision on my part, but something I felt like was the best move for the team moving forward."
Mayfield finished the 2022 season as a member of the Los Angeles Rams. He signed with the Bucs during free agency and has thrived through two-plus seasons. The two-time Pro Bowl passer led a late drive last week to help the Bucs set up the game-winning field goal.
The Panthers hired Frank Reich as head coach after Wilks' interim stint. Wilks spent the 2023 campaign as 49ers defensive coordinator but was fired after they lost the Super Bowl and didn't work in the NFL last season.
New York's defeat marked the second time this season the team has lost on a late field goal following its opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Jets DC said he's responsible for his unit's struggles to close out games.
"We've got to find a way to finish," Wilks said.
The Jets (0-3) will play the Miami Dolphins (0-3) on Monday Night Football.