Cleveland Browns: Former head coaches to target as defensive coordinator
By Dan Justik
Steve Wilks
Steve Wilks has been a coach in the NFL for 13 seasons, primarily coaching on the defensive side of the ball. He was a defensive backs coach for 11 seasons for three different organizations. He spent two seasons as the Panthers defensive coordinator from 2016-2017. He was the Arizona Cardinals head coach in 2018, but was fired after one season.
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Although he did not have a successful season as a head coach, Wilks did well during his time as a defensive coordinator. Wilks’ defensive scheme is an aggressive 4-3 base defense. He relies heavily on zone coverage with how often his defense blitzes.
In his two seasons as the Panthers defensive coordinator, the Panthers ranked 21st and seventh in total defense, 26th and 11th in scoring defense, and seventh and 16th in takeaways.
Coming off being fired in one season, Wilks is likely looking to become a defensive coordinator once again to rebuild his stock. His aggressive defense would fit well in Cleveland, as the Browns defense under Williams was also a heavy blitzing team.
It is important for the Browns to hire a defensive coordinator that coaches a 4-3 base defense. Although most defenses are primarily playing in a sub defense, the Browns personnel is designed for a 4-3 defense.
Wilks will have something to prove, so he is an attractive option to become a defensive coordinator. His defense fits the Browns personnel and his defenses have shown success in the past.