Steve Wilks Biography
Steve Wilks, born Steven Bernard Wilks on August 8, 1969 is a former American football player and coach. He currently serves as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL.
In 2018, he held the position of head coach for the Arizona Cardinals.
Wilks has taken on roles such as defensive backs coach for the Chicago Bears and San Diego Chargers. He has also been a defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, and Missouri.
Wilks boasts a record of being a two-time NFC Champion. His victories came as a member of the Bears in 2006 and the Panthers in 2015.
Despite these achievements, he experienced defeat in the Super Bowl on both occasions.
Career
From 1987 to 1991, Wilks actively participated as a defensive back at Appalachian State.
In 1993, he engaged in a year of play in the Arena Football League with the Charlotte Rage. During this time, he fulfilled roles as a wide receiver, defensive back, and kick returner.
Taking on the role of head football coach at Savannah State College in 1999, Wilks oversaw a single season, resulting in a record of 5–6.
The Chicago Bears enlisted Wilks as their defensive backs coach on February 16, 2006. However, his tenure came to an end on December 30, 2008, when the Bears announced his termination.
In 2009, Wilks found a new opportunity as the defensive backs coach for the San Diego Chargers.
This move coincided with former Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera’s transition to the same role in San Diego.
Wilks expanded his coaching journey to include positions at various clubs, such as the Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Missouri, a second stint with the Carolina Panthers, and presently, the San Francisco 49ers.
Steve Wilks and the San Francisco 49ers
As a seasoned coach, Steve Wilks, the defensive coordinator for the 49ers, has encountered numerous talented players over his career.
However, the assembly of players in San Francisco holds a distinct significance for Wilks, particularly the individuals up front: Nick Bosa, Javon Hargrave, Arik Armstead, Javon Kinlaw, and Drake Jackson.
During his Thursday press conference, Wilks addressed the topic, stating, “I don’t like to draw comparisons, that’s my approach.
These guys possess a unique quality. When I mention that I haven’t encountered a group like this, that’s precisely what I mean – a cohesive unit.
We boast remarkable depth, and it’s not a situation where the absence of one player leads to a noticeable decline. Absolutely not.”
“The comprehensive depth we possess, both on the interior and exterior, is what I’m emphasizing. This is unparalleled in my experience. The credit for this goes to the groundwork laid by [G.M.] John [Lynch] and [head coach] Kyle [Shanahan] in shaping our roster and providing us with the necessary components for success. This prospect genuinely excites me,” Wilks added.
