Steve Wilks, former Interim Head Coach of the Carolina PanthersHe broke his silence Friday morning a day after learning he would not be named the organization’s next head coach.

After the news that the Panthers hired Frank Reich on Thursday, Wilks posted a message on social media Friday, thanking his former players and staff.

Carolina Panthers head coach Steve Wilks walks on the field before an NFL football game on Sunday, October 16, 2022, in Inglewood, California.
(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

«The sun came up this morning and by the grace of God so did I», Wilks said on Twitter. «I’m disappointed, but not defeated. A lot of people aren’t cut out for this, but I know what it means to persevere and get through it.»

STEVE WILKS’ LAWYERS SAY THERE IS A ‘LEGITIMATE CAREER PROBLEM’ IN NFL AFTER PANTHERS HIRED FRANK REICH OVER HIM

«It was an honor for me to train those men in the Carolina Panthers locker room as interim head coach. Players, coaches and staff, thank you for your hard work and dedication. I was proud to represent Charlotte, a great city that I love so much. Thank you to my family, friends and the community for your great support.

«I wish Frank Reich all the best. I will always be a fan of the Carolina Panthers football team.»

Wilks took over the Panthers following a Week 5 loss to the san francisco 49ersdropping Carolina to 1-4.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich stands on the sidelines in the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich stands on the sidelines in the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

He went 6-6 in his time as interim head coach, putting the Panthers in playoff contention late in the season.

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Several Panthers players expressed their support for Wilks getting the full-time job.

Following the news of Reich’s hiring on Friday, the law firm representing Wilks tore apart the Panthers organization in a sentence.

«We are shocked and upset that after the incredible job that Coach Wilks did as interim head coach, which included getting the team back into playoff contention and gaining support from players and fans, he was overlooked for the head coach position [CEO] David Tepper,» Wigdor LLP said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital.

Interim head coach Steve Wilks of the Carolina Panthers looks on during warmups before a game against the Detroit Lions at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Interim head coach Steve Wilks of the Carolina Panthers looks on during warmups before a game against the Detroit Lions at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
(Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

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«There is a legitimate race issue in the NFL, and we can assure you that we will have more to say in the days ahead.»

Wigdor LLP also represents former Brian Flores, head coach of the Miami Dolphins in his racial discrimination lawsuit against the NFL.

Reich was fired by the Indianapolis Colts midway through the 2022 season after going 3-5-1.