Wilks ‘disillusioned, not defeated’ over Panthers snub
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Former Carolina Panthers interim head coach Steve Wilks is “disillusioned, however not defeated” that he didn’t landed the group’s full-time head teaching place.
The Panthers introduced on Thursday they’ve agreed to hire Frank Reich as their new head coach.
“The solar rose this morning and by the grace of God so did I,” Wilks said in Tweet Friday. “Many individuals aren’t constructed for this however I do know what it means to persevere and see it by.”
Wilks thanked gamers, coaches, and workers for his or her dedication, saying that he took delight in representing his hometown of Charlotte.
Wilks added “I do want Frank Reich the most effective.”
Wilks’ Tweet got here lower than 24 hours after his legal professional Douglas Wigdor blasted the Panthers for his or her resolution to not rent Wilks, who went 6-6 as Carolina’s interim coach in 2022 after changing the fired Matt Rhule in Week 6.
The Panthers interviewed Wilks, who’s Black, twice for the place earlier than deciding on Reich, who’s white.
“We’re shocked and disturbed that after the unbelievable job Coach Wilks did because the interim coach, together with bringing the group again into playoff competition and garnering the assist of the gamers and followers, that he was handed over for the pinnacle coach place by David Tepper,” Wigdor stated in an electronic mail. “There’s a professional race downside within the NFL, and we are able to guarantee you that we’ll have extra to say within the coming days.”
The Related Press reached out to Wigdor’s workplace Friday to see if it deliberate extra authorized motion.
“We do not need one other remark right now apart from what we posted,” spokeswoman Courtney Cormican stated.
The Panthers stated the group may have their first public remarks when Reich is launched at a press convention on Tuesday.
Wilks made no point out in his Tweet of whether or not the Panthers can be added to an ongoing lawsuit alleging racial hiring practices by the NFL and a few groups. Practically a yr in the past, Wilks joined Brian Flores’ lawsuit in an effort to carry consideration to the shortage of Black head coaches within the NFL.
“When Coach Flores filed this motion, I knew I owed it to myself, and to all Black NFL coaches and aspiring coaches, to face with him,” Wilks stated in an announcement by his legal professional final February. “This lawsuit has shed additional vital mild on an issue that everyone knows exists, however that too few are prepared to confront. Black coaches and candidates ought to have precisely the identical potential to develop into employed, and stay employed, as white coaches and candidates.”
A number of Panthers gamers stated after the common season ended they wished Wilks to return in 2023, together with longtime linebacker Shaq Thompson. Thompson urged gamers wished to have a gathering with Tepper to provide participant enter on the teaching state of affairs, and throw their assist behind Wilks.
It is unclear if that assembly occurred.
Wilks’ future stays unclear. The NFC South rival Atlanta Falcons have reportedly expressed curiosity in bringing Wilks in as their new defensive coordinator.
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