Raleigh, N.C. — Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks has been named head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, the team announced Monday afternoon.
Former Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians announced his retirement following Arizona’s 8-8 finish this season.
Wilks joined Carolina in 2012 as the team’s defensive backs coach, and he was later named an assistant head coach in 2014.
Last season, Wilks was promoted to defensive coordinator after Sean McDermott filled the Buffalo Bills’ head coaching vacancy. Carolina finished seventh in total defense and 11th in points allowed in Wilks’ lone season as defensive coordinator.