This is a 2023 photo of Steve Wilks of the San Francisco 49er NFL football team. This image reflects the San Francisco 49ers active roster as of March 28, 2022 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)

Steve Wilks

Defensive Coordinator

College: Appalachian State University

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

Experience: 16 years

Biography

Steve Wilks is in his first season as the 49ers defensive coordinator. He joined the 49ers after spending the 2022 season with the Carolina Panthers as the defensive passing game coordinator/secondary coach and later as the team's interim head coach.

As Carolina's interim head coach, Wilks helped the 2022 Panthers improve to top-10 marks in rushing offense (146.8 yards per game) and rushing defense (116.3 yards per game) in the NFL. Following Wilks' promotion, the Panthers won six of their last 12 games, finishing in a tie for second place in the NFC South after the team started the season 1-4.

Advertising