The Arizona Cardinals are thinking defense with their next head coach. According to Kent Somers of azcentral, the team is hiring Steve Wilks to replace Bruce Arians.
Wilks, the defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers, has been on NFL sidelines for the last 12 years. He broke into the league with the Chicago Bears as the defensive backs coach, a position which he held for the San Diego Chargers and Panthers, too.
After Sean McDermott left to coach the Buffalo Bills following the 2016 campaign, Carolina promoted Wilks to his current spot. He held the title of “assistant head coach” for the last three seasons, as well.
The Cardinals are going with Wilks over New England Patriots linebackers coach Brian Flores and Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo. Pat Shurmur, another key target, interviewed with Arizona but chose the New York Giants.
Under Wilks in 2017, Carolina ranked seventh in total defense and 11th in points per game allowed.