The Panthers are red-hot in the NFL’s expected to be official but not yet official news reel today. Accordings to ESPN’s Josina Anderson:

I'm told that #Panthers assistant head coach/secondary Steve Wilks is expected to be promoted as the team's (cont) https://t.co/woYMQJeGOw — Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 11, 2017

For those who don’t want to click and see the extended tweet, here is the full text:

I'm told that #Panthers assistant head coach/secondary Steve Wilks is expected to be promoted as the team's defensive coordinator pending Sean McDermott's departure to Buffalo to become the Bills' head coach. Wilks has always been known to be Ron Rivera's defensive coordinator in waiting.

This helps to confirm fan suspicions that should McDermott take a promotion to head coach elsewhere, the team intends to act decisively in promoting Wilks to take his spot. Given that Wilks probably does not want to move for a non-promotion, and that Wilks will undoubtedly be more comfortable working as a defensive coordinator in a scheme and personnel he already knows, the only thing that should concern fans at this point is if he is offered a head coaching position. That is unlikely to happen, even though the Los Angeles Rams have reportedly interviewed him.

In my opinion, the Panthers desire to promote from within is the right move. For the sake of continuity and because it motivates other assistant coaches to work hard at their craft. Seeing a colleague get promoted is a great way to know you’re in a good situation, and can expect rewards down the line.

UPDATE: This news is now being confirmed by several sources, including Charlotte beat writers. The official announcement is expected tomorrow.