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Former NFL head coach Steve Wilks spotted at Falcons practice

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 30: Head coach Steve Wilks of the Carolina Panthers reacts against the Atlanta Falcons in overtime at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 30: Head coach Steve Wilks of the Carolina Panthers reacts against the Atlanta Falcons in overtime at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

It's not uncommon for former NFL players to make appearances during training camp. Falcons legend Roddy White showed up at the team's Flowery Branch practice facility on Tuesday and we've seen others, including Matt Ryan, grace us with their presence on occasion.

However, there was somewhat of a surprise guest present at the team's last two practices. Former NFL head coach and defensive guru Steve Wilks was spotted in Flowery Branch on both Tuesday and Wednesday, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Wilks, 54, has a wealth of coaching experience, serving most recently as the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator in 2023. The 49ers parted with Wilks following their Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime, although many felt he was unfairly blamed for the outcome. The former Arizona Cardinals head coach is one of the brightest defensive minds in the NFL.

Could the Falcons be looking to bring Wilks on in some defensive role? It's not a bad idea as the team undergoes a transition to defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake this season. Fans on Twitter loved the idea of adding Wilks:

Falcons Twitter intrigued by Wilks' presence

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Former NFL head coach Steve Wilks spotted at Falcons practice