Steve Wilks still has a game to coach.
The defensive coordinator will be calling the shots from the sideline for the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas at Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11. Wilks finds himself in the current role at a unique stage of his career. In 2018, the coach was fired by the Arizona Cardinals after one season. Wilks went 6-6 in 2022 in an interim role with the Panthers. The team was 1-4 when it fired Matt Rhule before Wilks took over. In January 2023, his hometown Carolina Panthers passed on him.
— Steve Wilks (@ScoreonD) January 27, 2023
Wilks’ experience in the NFL resulted in him joining a 2022 lawsuit against the league for racial discrimination alongside Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who was fired from the Miami Dolphins after giving the franchise its first back-to-back winning seasons in nearly 20 years. A federal judge ruled the case should go to trial, but that most of the claims —including Wilks’ — should be decided by arbitration. Both sides are appealing, The Washington Post reported.
Days ahead of Super Bowl LVIII, rolling out spoke with Wilks about the current state of Black coaches in the NFL and his thoughts on the Atlanta Falcons hiring their first Black coach in the franchise’s history, after Wilks interviewed for the same position.
What do you think of Black coaches’ status in the NFL?
I’m going to be quite honest with you — I don’t want to answer that question.
I feel like there’s [been some] progress. You can see it this year, [in] the number of hires that we have. The reason I say I don’t want to answer that question is because I really have no say-so. I hope we continue to improve in that area, but that’s not up to me.
What was your reaction to Raheem Morris becoming the first Black head coach of the Atlanta Falcons?
I’m very excited for him. Raheem’s a great coach, [and] even a better person. I reached out to him when he got the job, and I wish them all the best.
How has being an Omega Psi Phi man shaped you as a person?
It’s created a strong foundation for me. Even my upbringing, with my high school at West Charlotte, things I’ve learned there, but pledging is definitely a major part of who I am today.
You post a lot of gospel songs you listen to, and some from Koryn Hawthorne as well. Have you heard her latest single, “Look At God”?
I haven’t heard it yet. I need to get that.
Who are you listening to right now?
Well, Smokie Norful is my guy that I listen to, and then Marvin Sapp.
