Commanders Hire Former Jets Coach Steve Wilks For Game Planning

Washington Commanders have hired former head coach and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks to assist their coaching staff in game planning. The decision was finalized last month, with Wilks beginning his role the previous week under head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Daronte Jones. According to NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo, Wilks will not be present on game days but has been working Sundays through Wednesday mornings since late August. This hiring occurred before any recent team struggles or coaching changes in Washington. Wilks is a veteran with extensive experience across the league, having served as an assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers from 2015 to 2017 where he later became interim head coach after Matt Rhule's departure. He led the 49ers to their Super Bowl appearance in 2023 before being fired by both teams, most recently serving as Jets' defensive coordinator under Aaron Glenn until his dismissal in December.