When former defensive coordinator Sean McDermott left Carolina for the Buffalo Bills it was a step up and well earned promotion. Almost immediately, Panthers coach Ron Rivera filled the vacancy with defensive backs coach Steve Wilks.
Wilks not only made logistical sense, bringing continuity to a unit familiar with his style and terminology, but also from a performance perspective. Wilks has been on the sidelines for Carolina since the 2012 season helping to orchestrate a solid run of productive defenses side-by-side with McDermott.
Given his opportunity, Wilks has not disappointed. The Panthers defense has ranked first in the NFL at different points in the 2017 season and should continue to produce despite their below average performance in New Orleans.