yahoo
The Washington Commanders have moved swiftly to broaden the duties of veteran defensive coach Steve Wilks. According to Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan in D.C., Wilks is now expected to be part of the coaching staff on game days, starting with Sunday night's game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Following the team's Week 6 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the Commanders brought Wilks on board to help with game-planning during the week. Before even one game had been played under that arrangement, his role has already grown.
Wilks is currently a special assistant to athletics at Appalachian State, his college alma mater. His extensive coaching career includes a one-year stint as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in 2018. He has also served as defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers (2017), Cleveland Browns (2019), San Francisco 49ers (2023), and New York Jets (2025).
In 2023, Wilks returned to the Panthers as defensive passing game coordinator and secondary coach. After Frank Reich was abruptly fired, Wilks took over as interim head coach and led the team to a 6-6 record.
Wilks adds another defensive mind and experienced head coach to assist Dan Quinn, whose background is also on the defensive side. Earlier this year, Quinn hired Daronte Jones as the team's defensive coordinator.
Key Analysis
Wilks's expanded role provides the Commanders with an additional experienced option to serve as interim head coach, should owner Josh Harris decide to make an in-season change. His presence on game days gives the team a seasoned leader on the sidelines, offering flexibility and depth to the coaching staff.
Originally reported by yahoo.