Starting his coaching journey at several smaller institutions, Steve Wilks eventually made his way to the NFL, becoming one of the league’s most notable coaches.
Steve has a rich coaching history, including roles as the head coach for the Arizona Cardinals in 2018 and the interim head coach for the Carolina Panthers in 2022.
Highlights
- Steve Wilks has enjoyed 25 years of marriage with his wife, Marcia, who has been there for him since the start of his coaching career.
- Steve first met his wife, Marcia, at a concert in 1997, and they married three years later.
- The couple have established the Steve & Marcia Wilks Post-Graduate Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship at Appalachian State University.
Throughout Steven Wilks’ coaching career, his wife, Marcia, has been a constant source of support, from his early days to his ascent in the NFL. Their journey has marked a strong partnership and belief in one another.
Despite his demanding role as a coach, Steve has successfully balanced his professional and personal life, ensuring he spends quality time with his family.
The couple prioritizes their parenting responsibilities, making their family a focus alongside Steve’s career.
Marcia Trusted Steve Right From The Beginning Of His Career
Wilks first crossed paths with his wife, Marcia, in 1997 at an outdoor jazz concert in Charlotte, where she worked as a nurse.
At the time, Wilks was coaching at Savannah State. After meeting, they fell in love and started dating shortly after.
Three years before they married, Wilks was upfront with Marcia about the challenges of his coaching career, warning her that job stability was not guaranteed.
Despite his candid admission, they embarked on a journey together, embracing the frequent moves and promotions that came with his career. They also mentioned it, saying:
It was crazy in the beginning where we were moving every year for six years. But it was fun. It was by choice. He was getting promoted every single year. And he was working really hard, so we didn’t think about it.
New York Times
In the early years of their marriage, the couple moved frequently, with one-season stops.
They moved to various cities, including Normal, Illinois; Boone, North Carolina; Johnson City, Tennessee; Bowling Green, Ohio; and South Bend, Indiana.
Jets have agreed to terms with Steve Wilks as their defensive coordinator, per @TomPelissero pic.twitter.com/cl3gLitxdT
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) January 29, 2025
In an article, Wilks recalled driving his daughter, Marissa, to school the day after his dismissal in Chicago. She felt upset because the Chicago Tribune had published an article about his firing.
However, Wilks quickly found a new opportunity with Rivera in San Diego, leaving Marcia and their children to adjust to the changes back in Chicago.
Through the years, he has achieved significant success in his coaching career and is now the defensive coordinator for the New York Jets.
Steve And His Wife, Maria, Are Responsible Parents And Philanthropists
Steve and Marcia Wilks have maintained a private personal life as parents of their two daughters and a son— Marissa, Melanie, and Steven James.
His children have been a constant source of strength and encouragement for Steven as he navigates the demanding nature of his job.
Since the couple are low-key about their lives, they only make public appearances together when participating in various charitable activities.
In 2021, they established The Steve & Marcia Wilks Post-Graduate Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship at Steve’s alma mater.
The scholarship is awarded to a Mountaineer student-athlete from an underprivileged group pursuing a graduate degree every year.
Marcia’s behind-the-scenes support has been crucial to Steve’s success and their happy marriage.
Additional Information
- Steve Wilks has worked as a defensive assistant for most of his career and became the Arizona Cardinals’ head coach in 2018.
- Wilks attended West Charlotte High School and played as a defensive back during his time at Appalachian State.
- Steve also played for one year in 1993 in the Arena Football League for the Charlotte Rage as a wide receiver, defensive back, and kick returner.
