Posted January 07, 2018 at 09:15 AM | Updated January 07, 2018 at 09:15 AM
By James Kratch | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
After two busy days of interviews in Massachusetts and Minnesota, the Giants' coaching search is expected to pause on Sunday.
It should heat back up very soon, though, and as soon as Monday. The Giants are believed to be very interested in Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, and he will be able to interview after Carolina's playoff game against the Saints on Sunday.
Here's a closer look at Wilks:
WHO:
Wilks, 48, was one of the minority head coaching candidates recommended to league teams by the Fritz Pollard Alliance. Wilks played at Appalachian State and in Arena Football, and has spent most of his coaching career in the Southeast. Wilks interviewed with the Rams for their head coach position last year.
WHEN:
It's not clear exactly when the Giants will interview Wilks, but it should be early this week. Win or lose, Wilks will be able to take head coaching interviews after the Panthers' playoff game at the Saints on Sunday. He can meet with the Giants as early as Monday. The Giants also have to interview former running backs coach Eric Studesville this week. Whoever has their interview first will allow the Giants to satisfy the Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview at least one minority candidate for head coaching vacancies.
GIANTS TIES:
Wilks was on the Carolina staff for the entirety of Gettleman's tenure with the Panthers, first as a defensive backs coach and later as an assistant head coach and coordinator. Wilks also spent one year at Notre Dame as a defensive backs coach, which could be where any Giants ties or familiarity comes into play beyond the Gettleman connection. The Mara have connections to the program.