Former Panthers interim HC Steve Wilks requested for defensive coordinator interview by 49ers

AndrewEdGraham

Detroit Lions v Carolina Panthers — CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 24: Interim head coach Steve Wilks of the Carolina Panthers looks on during warmups before the game against the Detroit Lions at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

With rising star defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans anticipated to leave for the Houston Texans head coach job, the San Francisco 49ers requested permission to speak with former Carolina Panthers interim head coach Steve Wilks to fill the role, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Ryans and the Texans agreed on a six-year deal to make him the Texans’ next head coach.

Wilks was elevated to the interim head coaching role in Carolina when Matt Rhule was fired after five games and a 1-4 start. Under Wilks, the Panthers stormed back to finish second in the NFC south with a 7-10 record, including a 6-6 mark after Rhule’s ouster.

Wilks was Carolina’s defensive pass game coordinator in 2022-23, his first year in the role. He was elevated to the interim head coach role in part because of past experience. He was the Arizona Cardinals head coach for one season in 2018. Wilks has been a defensive assistant at both the college and professional levels.

Texans officially hire DeMeco Ryans as next head coach

The Houston Texans have hired 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans as their head coach, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal is reportedly for six years, though the amount has not been disclosed.

Ryans played college football at Alabama from 2002-05, helping the Crimson Tide to a Cotton Bowl victory as a senior. He went on to become a second-round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft to the Texans, so him taking the head coaching job is a reunion between the two. Ryans played for the Texans through 2011, after which he joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2012.

Following his 10-year NFL playing career, Ryans joined the San Francisco staff in 2017 as a defensive quality control coach. He worked his way up to linebackers coach by the next season and eventually defensive coordinator in 2021. The 49ers advanced to the NFC title game in each of the past two seasons, though they fell short both times.

This past season, the San Francisco defense tied for third in the NFL in yards allowed per play (5.0) under Ryans’ direction. The 49ers also tied for first in the league in interceptions (20) and ranked second in total turnovers forced (30).