“Major Surprise” If Cardinals HC Steve Wilks Returns

According to Ian Rapoport, it would be a “major surprise” if the Cardinals kept HC Steve Wilks for the 2019 season, despite the recent support from Larry Fitzgerald and Patrick Peterson.

Rapoport says that Cardinals GM Steve Keim has already done research to prepare for another coaching search.

In the event the Cardinals elect to keep Wilks, he would have to make “major” staff changes including moving on from both coordinators.

Rapoport tosses out the possibility of hiring Jim Caldwell to run the offense if Caldwell doesn’t land a head-coaching job.

Earlier in the week, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the Cardinals are not expected to retain Wilks, so this doesn’t come as a big surprise.

Wilks, 49, began his NFL coaching career with the Bears as their defensive backs coach back in 2006. He spent two years with the Chargers before following Ron Rivera to Carolina as their defensive backs coach.

The Panthers promoted him to assistant head coach in 2015 and then to defensive coordinator last year after Sean McDermott took the Bills’ job.

Wilks agreed to become the Cardinals’ head coach last January.

During his first year as Cardinals’ head coach, Wilks has led the team to a 3-11 record.

We’ll have more regarding the Cardinals and Wilks as the news is available.