The perfect candidate for the Vikings' DC job just became available
The Minnesota Vikings are off and running in its search to find its next defensive coordinator. While Minnesota works to sift through current candidates, the perfect option just became available. On Thursday, the Carolina Panthers announced the hire of Frank Reich as its head coach. Reich previously served as the Indianapolis Colts head coach from […]
The Minnesota Vikings are off and running in its search to find its next defensive coordinator. While Minnesota works to sift through current candidates, the perfect option just became available.
On Thursday, the Carolina Panthers announced the hire of Frank Reich as its head coach. Reich previously served as the Indianapolis Colts head coach from 2018-2022 before Indy fired him in the middle of the 2022 season.
The news of Reich’s hiring means that Carolina’s interim head coach Steve Wilks is on the job hunt. Wilks guided the talent-depleted Panthers to a 6-6 record after taking over for Matt Rhule.
Wilks has a long history as a defensive coach in the NFL. He has served as a defensive coordinator for the Panthers (2017) and Cleveland Browns (2019). Wilks was hired as the Arizona Cardinals’ head coach in 2018, but was let go after just one season on the job.
He is widely considered to be a great leader with extensive knowledge on the defensive side of the football. Wilks will certainly garner plenty of attention around the league from teams searching for a defensive coordinator.
The Vikings have interviewed three external candidates in Saints co-defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen and Seahawks associate head coach Sean Desai. Steelers senior defensive assistant and former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores is expected to meet with the Vikings on Thursday.
Minnesota has also met with one in-house candidate in its assistant head coach, Mike Pettine.
Wilks’ resume separates himself from most available candidates with the possible exception of Flores. At the very least Minnesota would benefit by bringing him in for an interview as general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah continue to turn over every rock in order to find Ed Donatell’s replacement.
Featured image via Matt Krohn – USA TODAY Sports
