The Atlanta Falcons have been linked to another name in their defensive coordinator search. According to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, former NFL head coach Steve Wilks is slated to interview with the Falcons next week.
Wilks served as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, helping the team reach the Super Bowl before losing to the Chiefs in overtime.
The 55-year-old is arguably the best defensive coordinator available and has the type of experience this team needs after dismissing Jimmy Lake last week. Plus, Wilks was spotted at a Falcons training camp practice in July.
Longtime NFL coach Steve Wilks is interviewing for the #Falcons defensive coordinator job, per sources.
Wilks, former #Panthers interim head coach and #49ers DC, is slated to speak to the team next week.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 15, 2025
Wilks coached for the Panthers in various defensive roles from 2012 to 2017 before being named head coach of the Cardinals in 2018. He was fired after just one season in Arizona and took a job as the Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator in 2019.
Following a one-year stop as the defensive coordinator at Missouri, Wilks returned to Carolina in 2022 where he eventually took over as interim coach after Matt Rhule was fired.
The Falcons have interviewed Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and have another scheduled with former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo this week.
Stay up to date with each reported interview using our Falcons defensive coordinator tracker.