Panthers DC Steve Wilks named Cardinals head coach

ajc.com

The Arizona Cardinals named Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks as the team’s new head coach on Monday.

The Atlanta Falcons special teams coach Keith Armstrong was also a candidate for the job. Armstrong went through two interviews for the position, according to multiple reports.

After being with the Panthers since 2012, Wilks’ defense ranked seventh in the NFL in total defense in the 2017 regular season, allowing opponents 317.1 yards per game.

According to multiple reports, Wilks, 48, agreed to a four-year deal with an option for a fifth and will replace former Cardinals coach Bruce Arians who announced his retirement on Jan. 1 after five seasons with the team.