Carolina Panthers head coach Steve Wilks Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Former Panthers safety believes Steve Wilks has done enough to shed interim tag

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 12/2/22

It's still unclear what direction the Carolina Panthers will go in with the head coaching position after firing Matt Rhule back in October. However, seven weeks into his interim gig, Steve Wilks has already gained the support of former safety Tre Boston.

The Panthers have had mixed results since Wilks took over, going 3-4. However, Boston believes Wilks has earned a shot without the interim title by seeing how the team has improved under his watch.

"To see the guys playing the way they are, man," Boston said. "You can always tell a team by the fight they have for their coach."

Here for #ACC championship, former #Panthers safety Tre Boston was asked about the team and interim coach Steve Wilks. pic.twitter.com/arVtPBMQuE
— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) December 2, 2022

Boston is familiar with how Wilks coaches, having played four of his seven NFL seasons under him, both in Carolina and with the Arizona Cardinals. He called Wilks an "amazing leader" and a "man of integrity" who sets the right example for his players, making him a perfect fit for where the Panthers are now.

"You have to be a team, and that's what Steve Wilks brings," Boston said. "He's a guy who knows how to rally the troops."

While Boston made a point to talk about the fight the Panthers have shown with Wilks at the helm, he stopped short of saying the team quit on its former head coach. Boston's final season in the league was Rhule's first, so he has a unique perspective on what transpired during the 2020 season.

"My year was a little tough for him. It was his first year in the NFL, learning how to work with a lot of older gentlemen," Boston said. "It's a different ballgame, coaches know that."

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