49ers set to interview former Panthers coach Steve Wilks for coordinator position
The Carolina Panthers have been notified that the San Francisco 49ers plan on interviewing Steve Wilks for their defensive coordinator position, a league source confirmed.
Despite finishing the season as the team’s interim head coach, Wilks is technically under contract as a defensive back coach. Because of this, Carolina does not need to grant the 49ers or Wilks permission to interview since the position would be a promotion and not a lateral move.
Wilks was considered a finalist for the Panthers’ top job after winning six of the team’s final 12 games. However, owner David Tepper hired Frank Reich and the team introduced its sixth full-time head coach on Tuesday.
Hours after Reich’s presser, the Texans announced the hiring of DeMeco Ryans — who had been serving as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator — as head coach. Shortly after that, the 49ers notified Carolina of their plans to speak with Wilks.
This is a developing story