While the focus for the UNC football program's head coach still seems to surround Bill Belichick, another interesting name circulated as a potential candidate for the job.
As speculation picks up around North Carolina and Bill Belichick, sources tell @On3sports that longtime NFL and college football assistant Steve Wilks interviewed for the head coaching job.
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) December 9, 2024
Former Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers head coach.https://t.co/Piw8LxIDh6 pic.twitter.com/IKtqpH4sK3
Pete Nakos of On3 reported that Steve Wilks, a long-time assistant at both the college and NFL levels, interviewed for the job. When that interview occurred and if Wilks is a legitimate candidate at this point in time is still undetermined.
Wilks has a coaching resume that dates back to 1995. Starting his coaching career at Johnson C. Smith, Wilks worked up the ranks, earning a role as Notre Dame's defensive backs coach for the 2004 season. From there, Wilks would take his talents to the NFL, joining Washington's staff in a similar role.
From there, Wilks spent time with the Chicago Bears, San Diego Chargers and Carolina Panthers before being named the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.
Unfortunately, Wilks tenure only lasted a season, as the organization decided to part ways after a 3-13 campaign. He would serve as an assistant at both the NFL and college levels until he was tabbed as the Carolina Panthers interim head coach during the 2022 season.
There have been many names floated around as potential candidates, but it's very interesting to see the timing that this news came along. Is the hold up due to the fact that North Carolina can't agree to terms with Belichick, or are there other candidates that are making the decision even more difficult?
Only time will tell.