NFL Opinion: Once Again, A Team Fails Steve Wilks -

Through no fault of his own, the Carolina Panthers did not hire Steve Wilks. In fact, the non-hire is a symptom of a deeper problem.

Steve Wilks is a better person than I am, point blank. Today, the Carolina Panthers decided to hire Frank Reich instead of Wilks. To his credit, Wilks displays the grace and humility that the team. Despite bringing the team to the precipice of a division title, Carolina took the road too often traveled. Granted, the NFC South resembled a Southern-fried dumpster fire. Yet, Wilks’ short tenure provides the fanbase with something they’ve lacked for years: hope. The thought of better days resonated throughout the fandom. People appeared locked in and ready to have Wilks lead the team into 2023 and beyond. However, like Lucy Van Pelt snatching the football away from Charlie Brown, Steve Wilks was disappointed.

Numbers Don’t Lie

Under Matt Rhile, the Panthers sunk to an 11-27 record. With Wilks and without an elite offense, and their best player in Christian McCaffrey, Carolina fell one game short of the playoff. In a series of crafted miracles that would make Smokey Robinson jealous, the team finished at 6-6. Look at that offensive roster and tell me how a coach pulls a .500 record out of that mess. Additionally, Wilks relied on the running game. The Panthers gained at least 150 rushing yards seven times over the final twelve games. Meanwhile, the upstairs brass did not value that.

Perception Meets Reality

Many Black people believe that the Panthers passed Wilks over for a man that was replaced last season. On the other hand, public perception from White people believes the better coach earned the job. Without diving into the weeds, once again the numbers don’t lie. Thirty-two franchises. How many Black coaches? Three. Before you bring up vacancies, look at the Houston Texans. They ran David Culley and Lovie Smith each after one year. Camp Counselor at Crystal Lake is more worthy of employment. For the entirety of its existence, the NFL maintains a race problem, From George Marshall and the silent deal that kept the league segregated to the purposeful ignoring of qualified Black head coaches. If you truly don’t think that the Reich hiring is an atrocious look because of racial undertones, you’re, in a word, wrong.

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The Fish Smells From The Head Down

When the NFL forced jerry Richardson out, many lauded David Tepper as the Queen City Savior. In actuality, through a series of botches, Tepper looks less like an owner and more like a fan with capital. I thought that Wilks’ strong showing would land him the job. Then, I realized one thing: no matter if it’s the right move, people will do whatever they want. David Tepper is a billionaire. As a result, he probably doesn’t care what anyone says about how he runs his team. At the same time, the disrespect of Wilks is different. He grew up in Charlotte, born and raised. Not too often do you see a medium-sized city with a coach that grew up there? Plus, the Panthers need a quarterback, do you trust Scott Fitterer to make that decision? He’s traded for two former first-rounders that could find Waldo quicker than the open receiver.

What Happens Now?

Steve Wilks will find an assistant spot this season. Also, the discrimination lawsuit started by Brian Flores includes him as a plaintiff. The NFL will answer all of this. Whether we know the details or not, the league will face tough questions. Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers will play ball every fall. In a weird way, for a segment of their fanbase, a little luster faded from those silver helmets. For the scores of people that proclaim Reich was the better coach, explain the offensive and defensive ranks that sit at the bottom of the league.

Overview

You don’t have to be a Panthers fan to feel angry about the hire. Sports mirror life. The good guy doesn’t always win and happy endings aren’t commonplace. For the second time during his career, an NFL team did Steve Wilks otherwordly dirty. By the way, what happened to the coach that replaced Wilks in Arizona? As mentioned, Steve Wilks is a far better man than I ever will be. Restraint and expletives do not mix.