Are the Bears still interested in Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks?

By Patrick Finley

Panthers coordinator Steve Wilks is a former Bears assistant. (Getty Images)

When the Bears fired Fox, they expressed interest in first-year Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, who served as the Bears’ defensive backs coach from 2006 to ’08 before following former Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera to the Chargers and Panthers.

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Two days later, their interest in the 48-year-old was a bit more unclear. Sources confirmed that the Bears had yet to file a formal request with the league to interview him. Three other teams had — the Lions, Giants and Colts.

It might be premature to rule out an interview with Wilks. Teams can’t interview coaches who have playoff games this weekend until next week at the earliest.

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