'Every man' in Panthers locker room wants Steve Wilks back as HC

Quarterback Sam Darnold echoed Brown's statement while speaking with reporters. Darnold believes Wilks has done a great job since taking over for Matt Rhule, adding that he means "a lot" to the players. 

"He's done a great job with communicating, and I think that's the biggest thing I've noticed since he took over," Darnold said. 

Following a 1-4 start, the Panthers parted ways with Rhule turning the reigns over to Wilks in Week 6 of the season. The Panthers have gone 5-6 under Wilks and sport a 6-10 mark heading into Week 18. 

When reporters asked about his future in Carolina on Wednesday, Wilks said he was only concerned with Sunday's matchup against the Saints. 

"As I stated from day one when I first stood in front of you guys, we have 13 weeks, and within that process, we'll figure out exactly what's going to happen at the end," Wilks said. "My mindset, just like with the players, they focus on being focused."

While the players on the Panthers may want Wilks back in the fold, Panthers' owner David Tepper will ultimately make the decision. 

The latest rumors don't sound good for Wilks' chances, however. Tepper has reportedly reached out to Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh about the job. 

While not discrediting the report, Harbaugh responded to the rumors by saying," I think I will be coaching Michigan next year." 

According to Marc Ryan of 97.7 The Fan, sources say Wilks is "unlikely" to be the Panthers' head coach and that Tepper has an "affinity" for San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans.