CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Panthers announced they have promoted Steve Wilks to assistant head coach.

The team made the announcement in a press release on Monday.

Wilks, a Charlotte native who played at Appalachian State, has served as secondary/passing game co-ordinator for the Panthers since 2012.

Carolina is one of three NFL teams to produce a top 10 defence in the last three seasons. The Panthers were 10th in total defence last season and 11th against the pass as the team transitioned to a younger secondary.

In 2013, the Panthers finished second in the NFL in defence and sixth against the pass under Wilks.

Carolina has won the NFC South in each of the last two seasons.