Panthers give Jints’ target rave reviews

NEW ORLEANS — Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, high on Giants general manager Dave Gettleman’s short list of potential head-coaching candidates, said Sunday after a 31-26 playoff loss to the Saints that he plans to meet with Giants officials, probably early this week, to discuss the vacancy.

While Wilks did not mention a specific date for the interview, Carolina head coach Ron Rivera said he understood Wilks, who is being pursued as a possible headcoaching candidate by the Giants, Bears, Colts and Lions, would in- terview first with the Giants.

“Yes, I believe the Giants are first on his agenda,” Rivera said. “I think Steve deserves the opportunity. He’s a heckuva football coach, and he’s done a great job. He’s had a lot of success in his career, and I know a lot of people are reaching out to him. I think he’ll get his opportunity.”

Wilks said the timing of his Giants’ meeting isn’t official yet, but he quickly added, “I’m planning to do it.

“Right now it’s even tough to talk about because it’s right after the game and it was an emotional loss,” Wilks said. “I’m just going to spend some time with the coaches and players and then regather my thoughts [Monday].”

Panthers free safety Kurt Coleman, an eight-year veteran out of Ohio State, said Wilks is incredibly prepared to become an NFL head coach.

“I mean, he’s a great man of character,” Coleman said. “He’s very detail-oriented, and the thing that I love about him is he’s a great teacher. He’s going to get to know all of his players and know their strengths and weaknesses. He’s going to make you grow as a player and as a person.”

So, he’ll be a good NFL head coach?

“He’s going to be a phenomenal head coach,” Coleman said. “He is, hands down, one of the best coaches I’ve ever been able to play for. He gets to know every single body and understands what makes you tick. He’s not going to coach you the same way. He always says he’s a teacher, so he finds ways for everybody to grow and learn and push themselves.”

Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn, a nine-year vet out of South Carolina, said Wilks helped to “groom me into the player I am today. He’s been great to me and for my career. He’s always a guy who’s pushed me. He’s a great leader. He’s looking for the opportunity, and I hope he gets it.”