Report: Steve Wilks Interviews for UNC HC Opening amid Bill Belichick Rumors

Amid rumors that legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick is in the running for North Carolina's vacant head coaching position, another coach from the NFL ranks has reportedly entered the picture.

Per On3 Sports' Pete Nakos, former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks has interviewed with the Tar Heels. Wilks currently serves as a volunteer advisor for the Charlotte 49ers.

Wilks has worked in various roles for a number of NFL and collegiate programs. He was the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals for one season in 2018 and the Carolina Panthers' interim head coach in 2022 following Matt Rhule's firing.

He helped San Francisco reach the Super Bowl a season ago but was fired after just one season in that role.

Should Wilks land the head coaching job at North Carolina, it would be just the second time he's been a head coach in the collegiate ranks and the first time since 1999 when he coached Savannah State for a season.

Wilks has some stiff competition for the position with one of the greatest coaches of all time also in consideration.

Grant Hughes of 247Sports reported last week that Belichick had interviewed with North Carolina and CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reported later in the week that he had completed a second meeting.

During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday, Belichick confirmed that he had met with the Tar Heels and said he's had a "couple of good conversations" with the schools.

While Belichick has never coached a college team, he noted the similarities between modern-day college football and the NFL and said his coaching style would prepare players for the professional ranks.

ESPN's Pete Thamel and Chris Low reported on Monday that Belichick and North Carolina are continuing conversations and a decision could come later this week.

Belichick, a six-time Super Bowl champion, doesn't have anything else to prove at this point, so potentially finding success at North Carolina would just add to what has already been a tremendous career.