Cardinals hire former Panthers DC Steve Wilks as new head coach

By Bob Baum The Associated Press

7 years ago

In this Aug. 3, 2015, file photo, Carolina Panthers assistant head coach Steve Wilks watches players warm up during NFL football team’s training camp in Spartanburg, S.C. Wilks is the new head football coach of the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals announced Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, that the 48-year-old Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator had agreed to a four-year contract with a team option for a fifth. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)

In this Aug. 3, 2015, file photo, Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera, left, talks with assistant head coach Steve Wilks, right, as players warm up during the NFL football team’s training camp in Spartanburg, S.C. The New York Giants have Wilks for their vacant head coaching job on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)

This is a 2016, file photo showing Steve Wilks of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. Wilks is the new head football coach of the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals announced Monday, Jan. 22, 2018, that the 48-year-old Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator had agreed to a four-year contract with a team option for a fifth. (AP Photo/File)

PHOENIX — Steve Wilks is the new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.

The Cardinals announced Monday that the 48-year-old Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator had agreed to a four-year contract with a team option for a fifth.

Wilks spent one season as coordinator in Carolina, his 12th year as an NFL assistant. Wilks spent five seasons as Panthers secondary coach before his promotion a year ago.

Wilks replaces Bruce Arians, who retired after five seasons and compiled a franchise-record 50 victories.

Wilks was in Arizona for a second interview last week. He also coached for 11 years at the collegiate level, including a one-year stint as head coach at Savannah State in 1999.

The Cardinals planned to introduce Wilks as coach at a news conference Tuesday at team headquarters.