Mizzou brings on NFL veteran as new defensive coordinator

COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ)

The Mizzou football team has found its newest addition in veteran NFL coach Steve Wilks.

"Steve has a strong reputation as a man of character and a leader of men. His experiences both as an NFL head coach and defensive coordinator are exactly what we need at Mizzou. I'm looking forward to Steve putting his fingerprints on our defense as we continue to elevate Mizzou Football to greater heights," said Mizzou head coach Eli Drinkwitz in a press release.

He will take over for former defensive coordinator Ryan Walters, more than two weeks after Walters announced his departure for Illinois.

In 2019, Wilks worked as the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns. One year prior to that, he served as the Arizona Cardinals' head coach, going 3-13 in his only season.

The Appalachian State alum coached at quite a few colleges before moving to the pros, including his alma mater, Bowling Green, Notre Dame, Washington, and East Tennessee State.