Atlanta Falcons to interview former 49ers DC Steve Wilks

The Atlanta Falcons are interviewing Steve Wilks for their defensive coordinator job, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Wilks, former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator and Carolina Panthers interim head coach, is scheduled to interview with the Falcons next week.

Wilks, 55, last coached in the NFL in 2023 as the 49ers defensive coordinator. During the 2023 season, the 49ers ranked eighth in total defense (303.9 yards allowed per game) and third in scoring defense (17.5). The 49ers’ defense was a big key in the team’s run to the Super Bowl. However, the 49ers fired Wilks after the season due to inconsistencies on defense. He spent the 2024 season as a volunteer advisor for the Charlotte 49ers.

Before joining the 49ers, Wilks spent the 2022 season as the Panthers defensive passing game coordinator and secondary coach. He finished the season as the interim head coach after the team fired Matt Rhule earlier in the year. In his 12 games as interim head coach, Wilks led the Panthers to a 6-6 record and second place in the NFC South.

More on Steve Wilks and the Atlanta Falcons

Wilks began coaching in the NFL in 2006, joining the Chicago Bears as a defensive backs coach. He went on to coach with multiple teams, including the San Diego Chargers, Panthers (first stint from 2015-2017) and the Arizona Cardinals in 2018 where he was head coach. During the 2018 season, Wilks led the Cardinals to a 3-13 record and was fired once the season ended. Wilks was also the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns in 2019.

The Falcons are looking for a new defensive coordinator after firing Jimmy Lake this past weekend. In Lake’s first and only season as DC, the Falcons finished 23rd in total defense (345.2 yards), 23rd in scoring defense (24.9) and the group ranked 31st in total sacks (31). The defense was one of the reasons the Falcons finished the year 8-9, their seventh consecutive losing season.

Wilks is the reported third candidate the Falcons will interview for the defensive coordinator job. The team has completed an interview with Michigan Wolverines DC. Don “Wink” Martindale and will reportedly interview former Cincinnati Bengals DC Lou Anarumo next week.