Despite good performances, the Carolina Panthers have decided against interim head coach Steve Wilks and hired Frank Reich as their new coach. Wilks’ lawyers suspect a racist background behind the decision and announce further statements

The Carolina Panthers have chosen Frank Reich over Steve Wilks in their search for a new head coach. The franchise’s decision is causing surprise among many fans and experts and adds fuel to the racism debate in the NFL.

It is not Wilks himself who is criticising the Carolina Panthers’ officials, but his lawyers Douglas H. Wigdor and John Elefterakis. They represent the coach in the discrimination lawsuit against the NFL initiated by Brian Flores. Wilks had joined Flores’ suit last year.

Wigdor and Elefterakis expressed alarm in a statement, due to the Panthers’ decision to appoint Reich as head coach: “We are shocked and disturbed that after the incredible job Coach Wilks has done as interim coach, including getting the team back in contention for the playoffs and the support of the players and fans, he has been passed over by David Tepper for the head coaching position. There is a legitimate race issue in the NFL, and we can assure you we will have more to say about that in the days ahead. “

Wilks caused a turnaround for the Panthers

Wilks himself thanked the franchise in a statement on Twitter, “I’m disappointed but not defeated. A lot of people aren’t cut out for this kind of thing, but I know what it takes to persevere and see it through. It’s been an honor for me to coach these men in the Carolina Panthers locker room as interim head coach. “

“Players, coaches and staff, thank you for your hard work and dedication. I was proud to represent Charlotte, a great city that I love so much. I thank my family, friends and community for their overwhelming support. I wish Frank Reich all the best. I will always be a fan of the Carolina Panthers football team,” Wilks continued.

The latter had taken over the Panthers after week five because the franchise had fired Matt Rhule after only one win out of five games. During the rest of the season, he turned the team around, winning half of its games and almost leading the team to the playoffs.