App State hires ex-Panthers coach Steve Wilks in this athletics department role
Steve Wilks is heading back to Boone.
The former Carolina Panthers interim head coach has joined his alma mater, Appalachian State, as a special assistant to the athletics department, the school announced Thursday. Wilks, who starred for the Mountaineers’ football program from 1987 to 1991, will work in concert with Director of Athletics Doug Gillin, the football program and the development staff in his new role, according to a release.
“Sometimes, timing is everything,” Gillin said during an alumni event in Charlotte. “He came up, wanted to spend a bit more time in and around our football program — which we love. And then, certainly, he’s passionate about Appalachian. And in this new world order, where revenue and resources and exposure and branding is everything, he’s the perfect person to enhance that for Appalachian — a place that he loves dearly.”
Wilks, who led the Panthers to a 6-6 record as interim coach in 2022, previously worked as App State’s defensive backs coach in 2001. He will return to the program to engage with fellow alumni as the athletics department looks to build within the NIL landscape.
“Appalachian State means a lot to me,” Wilks said. “I wouldn’t be where I am and who I am today without them. And one of the things that I learned from (former App State coach Jerry Moore) years ago: ‘Do more than what’s expected.’ And I have some free time this year to take some time off from the NFL, and I wanted to give my time and my efforts to my alma mater.”
The Charlotte native has 30 years of overall coaching experience, including 17 years in the NFL. Wilks spent most of last season as the New York Jets’ defensive coordinator, but was relieved of his duties in December. The West Charlotte High alum worked with the Charlotte 49ers in an advisory role in 2024.
Wilks’ last major college role was as defensive coordinator for Missouri in 2021. That role led to his return to the Panthers in 2022.
During that reunion with Carolina, Wilks replaced former head coach Matt Rhule in the top job after Rhule was fired after five games. Wilks ultimately interviewed for the head coach job with the Panthers in 2023, but the team went with Frank Reich, who posted a 1-10 record before being fired in the middle of his lone season on the job.
Wilks, who served as the assistant head coach and defensive backs coach on the famed 2015 Panthers squad, also served as the Arizona Cardinals’ head coach during the 2018 season.
Wilks has been around the App State football program this spring. And he has been impressed by coach Dowell Loggains and his coaching staff.
Last season, in Loggains’ first year as a head coach, the Mountaineers went 5-8.
“I just told a group of individuals — alumni — that we have the right guy in place,” Wilks said of Loggains. “I believe in D-Low — I think he’s gonna do a tremendous job. He has put together a great staff. And to me, as we all know, you’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with. So, a lot of great teachers, guys that motivate, they really care about pouring into the students. So, I’m excited about what they’re doing, and I saw the improvement this spring.”
This story was originally published April 30, 2026 at 12:17 PM with the headline "App State hires ex-Panthers coach Steve Wilks in this athletics department role."
