49ers DC Steve Wilks latest to interview for Chargers' head-coaching job

Field Level Media|published: Sat 13th January, 14:08 2024

Jan 1, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers interm head coach Steve Wilks during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. credits: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Chargers said Saturday that they interviewed Steve Wilks for their vacant head-coach position.

Wilks, 54, in his first season as the defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers, was the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in 2018 and the interim coach of the Carolina Panthers for part of the 2022 season. He has a 9-19 overall record.

NFL Network reported Wilks will interview with the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

As the No. 1 seed in the NFC, the 49ers are on a bye week.

This season, San Francisco has allowed an NFC-low 17.5 points per game.

He has held a variety of college and NFL positions, including as the defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns in 2019 and at the college level with Missouri in 2021. He worked for the Chargers as defensive backs coach from 2009-11.

On Friday, the Chargers confirmed an interview with Todd Monken, the offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens. They also interviewed Patrick Graham, the Las Vegas Raiders' defensive coordinator, they said Thursday.

The Chargers finished 5-12 in 2023 and fired head coach Brandon Staley through his third season in Los Angeles. The Chargers lost their final three games under interim coach Giff Smith.

—Field Level Media