Wilks, in his second stint with the Panthers, was the team's defensive pass game coordinator and secondary coach before the firing of head coach Matt Rhule. He has NFL defensive coordinator experience, serving in the role with the Cleveland Browns (2019) after his one-year head coaching stint with the Arizona Cardinals (2018).
Wilks entered the NFL coaching ranks as a defensive backs coach with the Chicago Bears in 2006. He later served in the same role with the Chargers (2009-11) and Panthers (2012-14) before becoming Carolina's assistant head coach (2015-17).
Josina Anderson notes that Wilks might not be the only coach on the 49ers' radar. The team is "in discussions" to interview Washington Commanders defensive backs coach Chris Harris and former Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio for their defensive coordinator role.
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