The Carolina Panthers’ decision to appoint Frank Reich as their new head coach instead of retaining Steve Wilks has raised concerns about racial equity in the NFL, according to Wilks’ attorneys.
Wilks, who is Black, served as the interim head coach after Matt Rhule’s firing and led the team to a 7-10 finish, narrowly missing the playoffs. Despite this strong performance and positive reception from players and fans, the Panthers chose Reich, a White coach with a long history with the team, for the position.
Wilks’ attorneys, Douglas H. Wigdor and John Elefterakis, have expressed shock and disappointment, claiming that the decision reflects a broader issue of racial discrimination within the NFL. They indicated that further actions and statements regarding the case would be forthcoming.
Wilks expressed his own disappointment on Twitter, emphasizing his perseverance and dedication to the Panthers organization and its community. He congratulated Reich and maintained his support for the team.
Wilks is also involved in a racial discrimination lawsuit against the NFL, alleging unfair treatment and discrimination during his previous tenure with the Arizona Cardinals.
The lawsuit claims that Wilks was unfairly dismissed after one season, with Kliff Kingsbury, who is White, being given more opportunities despite having no prior NFL experience.
Reich, who was recently fired from the Indianapolis Colts, has a history of success, including winning Super Bowl LII as the Eagles’ offensive coordinator. He now faces the challenge of stabilizing the Panthers’ quarterback situation and leading the team to success.