Let’s take this step-by-step:
- The Bills on Wednesday went from “zeroing in” on Sean McDermott to making him their new head coach.
IT’S OFFICIAL. We’ve agreed with Sean McDermott to become head coach of the Buffalo Bills!
Get to know McDermott: https://t.co/DWPOJHENUB pic.twitter.com/fOlNoa2WiM
— Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) January 11, 2017
- The departure of McDermott, who came to Carolina in 2011, means the Panthers now have an opening at defensive coordinator.
- According to a source, Ron Rivera will offer that spot to Steve Wilks, who’s coached Carolina’s secondary since 2012. He added the title of assistant head coach in 2015.
- Wilks interviewed for the Rams’ head coaching vacancy last week. He’s also a candidate to become the new defensive coordinator in Washington.
- Unless Los Angeles offers Wilks its gig or Redskins owner Daniel Snyder writes a gigantic check, there’s little reason to think Wilks won’t take over for McDermott.
- But let’s say that doesn’t happen. Instead of looking outside the organization, next in line would be defensive line coach Eric Washington, who some consider a rising star.
- Now, back to assuming Wilks is the Panthers’ next D-coordinator. That leaves a hole in the secondary, one that could be filled by Perry Fewell. Not only does the Belmont, NC native have local ties, but he was Chicago’s DBs coach in 2005 when Rivera was the Bears’ defensive coordinator.
- According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, McDermott’s “likely DC in Buffalo is Panthers LB coach Al Holcomb,” who’s been in Carolina since 2013. I have no clue who would replace Holcomb, but just for fun, here’s this idea:
@BlackBlueReview player/coach Luke Kuechly
— John Polites (@PolitesJ) January 11, 2017