The Atlanta Falcons have a vacancy open at defensive coordinator. Dean Pees retired from coaching earlier this month, opening up a spot on the staff. They’re actively interviewing everyone they can and, according to one reporter, are monitoring a rival team closely.
The Falcons are reportedly monitoring the situation around Carolina interim coach Steve Wilks. The Panthers have yet to make a move to hire their next head coach after the team dumped Matt Rhule earlier this season. Wilks served as interim head coach and, considering the situation, did alright for himself. Carolina finished the season at 7-10 and just missed the postseason to 8-9 Tampa Bay.
Sheena Quick of 1340 AM FOX Sports Radio reported, “Source tells me that the Falcons are closely monitoring the Steve Wilks situation.”
Source tells me that the Falcons are closely monitoring the Steve Wilks situation.
— Sheena Quick (@Sheena_Marie3) January 25, 2023
Wilks is very familiar with the NFL. Prior to arriving in Carolina, he served as defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns in 2019 after one year as head coach with the Arizona Cardinals. Prior to that, he was with Carolina for five seasons, the then-named San Diego Chargers for three seasons, and the Chicago Bears for three seasons. He’s a seasoned veteran and, if this year was any case, may have something in him to inspire a Carolina team that didn’t have anything expected of them.
Atlanta has not made anything official yet, but this may be worth watching. It’s always interesting when a team looks around at its rivals. The Falcons already interviewed Saints coordinator Ryan Nielsen for the opening, as well.
