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Steve Wilks a good hire for Arizona Cardinals

By Scott Allen

SAN DIEGO - 2009: Steve Wilks of the San Diego Chargers poses for his 2009 NFL headshot at photo day in San Diego, California. (Photo by NFL Photos)
SAN DIEGO - 2009: Steve Wilks of the San Diego Chargers poses for his 2009 NFL headshot at photo day in San Diego, California. (Photo by NFL Photos) /
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The Arizona Cardinals finally got their new head coach on Monday

After a nearly three-week adventure, the Arizona Cardinals on Monday named Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks as their new head coach.  They were the last team in the NFL to hire their new head coach.

Which of course we know means nothing.  The Cardinals were also the last team to make a hire when they tabbed Bruce Arians as their coach in 2013.

Now Wilks replaces Arians, who retired three weeks ago once the season ended. For the Cardinals, the hire should be considered a good one.

Yes many wanted Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur but he opted for the New York Giants instead.  If there was a defensive guy out there right for the job, other than James Bettcher, it was Wilks.

While it would have been nice to have an offensive guy as the head coach, this also could mean the Cardinals could be stronger defensively as well.  They are already a strong unit.

Wilks has one year of experience as a head coach on any level.  He was the head coach at Savannah State in 1999.  Don’t let that fool you though.

He has spent the last three seasons as an assistant head coach for the Panthers.  He took on the role of defensive coordinator in 2017.  His first NFL job was as a secondary coach with the Washington Redskins in 2005.

Wilks was also a defensive backs coach with the Chicago Bears, San Diego Chargers, and the Panthers.  That is where he will be a huge asset.  Wilks has the experience building a defensive secondary.

Like Arians, don’t expect magic right away.  There is work to be done personnel-wise.  Arians went 10-6 in his first season, just missing the playoffs by one game in 2013.

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If Wilks can find himself a veteran quarterback who can help a young quarterback learn his way through the NFL, that’s a good start.  Then as long as he makes the right call for a new offensive coordinator, this selection could end up being a home run like Arians.

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