Find out what the aggressive-minded former head coach offers to Indianapolis defensively.
The Indianapolis Colts are set to interview Steve Wilks this week for their defensive coordinator opening.
The former head coach and 3x defensive coordinator (Carolina, Cleveland, San Francisco) would look to revitalize Indy’s defense with a strong dose of aggressiveness.
Read more to get to know the blitz-heavy coordinator who is highly regarded for his leadership qualities.
Background
Like every Colts DC candidate currently set to interview, Wilks specializes in the defensive backfield. A once-was Arena League Football Player, Wilks spent a decade in the CFB ranks before beginning his NFL coaching career as the DBs Coach for the Chicago Bears in 2006.
Wilks would be the Bears’ DBs Coach for 3 seasons before fleeing to become the Chargers’ Secondary Coach (& Asst. HC in 2011) for 3 years. His last year in San Diego actually overlapped with Colts head coach Shane Steichen’s first year as an NFL Coach. Steichen served with Wilks on his side of the ball as a defensive assistant in their lone season together.
Steve Wilks would then serve a multitude of roles for the successful 2012-2017 era Panthers:
– Passing Coordinator/Secondary Coach (2012-2014)
– Asst. HC/Secondary Coach (2015-2016)
– Defensive Coordinator (2017)
Wilks’ first defensive coordinator gig in 2017 opened the door to his first HC job with the Arizona Cardinals in 2018. After a disastrous rookie HC campaign in Arizona which saw him get fired after a 3-13 record, Wilks became the Browns DC for the 2019 season. Wilks briefly went back to college as Missouri’s DC before returning to the NFL in 2022 as the Panthers’ Passing Coordinator, Secondary Coach, and eventual interim head coach.
After coaching an impressive 6-6 finish that followed the Panthers’ 1-4 start, Wilks became the 49ers DC in 2023. Wilks would then adapt to the 49ers defensive philosophy and scheme of the Shanahan era, leading them to a Super Bowl before being fired after the lone season.
Scheme
Wilks’ defense forgoes the traditional ‘base defense’ philosophy as he has shown adaptability based on personnel at multiple stops. His scheme would offer a snug fit as to what Indy has employed in recent years, although this time with a much more aggressive mindset.
Steve Wilks’ calling card is his aggressiveness and, more specifically, his affinity for blitzing. As a defensive coordinator and/or head coach, here’s how Wilks’ defenses have fared leaguewide in blitz rate:
2017: 44% (T-1st)
2018: 40.5% (1st)
2019: 36.5% (4th)
2023: **20.3% (28th)
As previously mentioned, Wilks adapted to the 49ers defensive identity when he became the DC in 2023. Despite blitzing less than he ever has (to adjust to what San Fransisco wanted), Wilks led the defense to a Super Bowl — posting the 8th-best total D & the 3rd-best scoring D (17.5 PPG).
Statistically speaking, here’s where Steve Wilks-led defenses (as DC/HC) rank in the NFL when it comes to points-per-game averages, red zone touchdown percentage, as well as turnovers forced:
2017: 13th, 14th, T-16th
2018: 26th, 20th, 28th
2019: 20th, 25th, 20th
2023: 3rd, 11th, T-5th
Not to excuse Wilks’ shortcomings as HC/DC in 2018-2019, but look at what he was provided in 2017/2023 vs 2018/2019 and then look at the results. The numbers, in that case, would suggest that Wilks is certainly capable of manning a Top 10-15 unit, therefore, the resources he’s provided look to be the common denominator.
Coaching Style
As mentioned, Steve Wilks is a defensive back by heart, and it checks out when you hear what his former players have to say about him. Charles ‘Peanut’ Tillman, for example, has been Wilks’ No. 1 supporter over the years.
My guy…I’ve been to 2 Super Bowls and guess who was my coach? Where ever you land, come find me Wilks and let’s take the ball away. https://t.co/5Q0QvNfKyf
— Charles Tillman (@peanuttillman) January 27, 2023
Former NFL cornerback Josh Norman was an All-Pro 1st Team CB under Wilks in 2015 but their bond goes deeper. Back in January of 2023, when the Panthers were fresh off of Steve Wilks leading them to an improbable 6-6 finish after taking over as the interim HC, Josh Norman said, “Steve Wilks is like a father to me in this league,” when discussing Wilks’ progression as an NFL coach.
Steve Wilks has always had the defensive backs in his corner, but it was his interim HC job in Carolina that revealed himself as a true players’ coach and fan-favorite.
Out of all the candidates thus far who’ve been reported to interview for the Colts’ defensive coordinator job, Steve Wilks feels like the safest hire. He has familiarity with HC Shane Steichen, he comes from the same coaching tree and style GM Chris Ballard prefers, and he has similar schematic asks while his leadership qualities are highly regarded.
