Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports
By David Bonilla
Feb 20, 2024 at 3:37 PM• --
Share this on TwitterShare this on FacebookShare this on ThreadsFlip into FlipboardShare this on RedditShare via SMSShare via Email
Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
The San Francisco 49ers dismissed defensive coordinator Steve Wilks following the team's Super Bowl 58 defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs. According to Tim Kawakami of The Athletic, head coach Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers could be nearing a decision on his replacement.
"Not sure when there'll be an announcement, but could be soon," Kawakami shared on social media.
Hear the 49ers might be closing in on a DC. Not sure when there'll be an announcement, but could be soon.
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) February 20, 2024
While Wilks is respected in the NFL, his hiring was questioned due to the 49ers' desire to maintain their current roster, staff, and defensive scheme.
"A really tough decision because it really says nothing about Steve as a man or as a football coach," Shanahan said of the decision to part ways with Wilks. "He's exactly what we wanted as a man. He is a great football coach. But just where we're going and where we're at with our team from a scheme standpoint and things like that, looking through it all throughout the year, through these last few days, I felt pretty strongly that this was a decision that was best for our organization.
"And even though it was one I didn't want to make, it was something that once I realized that I think a different direction is what's best for our organization, then it's something that I have to do."
Wilks' defense ranked eighth in yards allowed, third in points allowed, third in rushing yards allowed, and 14th in passing yards allowed during the regular season. However, the unit struggled in the playoffs, allowing an average of 149.3 rushing yards per game compared to the 89.7 rushing-yard average allowed during the regular season.
"It just ended up not being the right fit," Shanahan admitted. "And it hurt for me to do this, but that's exactly why I had to. ... But it was just for his background and how it ended up with us, it was harder than it needed to be, and I felt it would improve us going a different direction."
Related News
- Report: Announcement of 49ers defensive coordinator "could be soon" Pro Football Talk • Feb 21
Nobody's perfect. Did you find a mistake in this article?
Report it.
Share this on TwitterShare this on FacebookShare this on ThreadsFlip into FlipboardShare this on RedditShare via SMSShare via Email
Facebook Comments
Do not use the comments to notify us of errors in the article. Editors may not see it. Instead, report errors here.
More San Francisco 49ers News
Report: There is a belief that 49ers will fill defensive coordinator vacancy from within
By David Bonilla
Feb 21
It's been a week since San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan announced the dismissal of defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. Since then, there has only been speculation surrounding the direction Shanahan is headed in his search to replace Wilks, with no confirmed reports of external interviews or interest.San Francisco Chronicle journalist Michael Silver described the whole process as "one of the more secretive searches in recent memory," adding that there's a belief around the NFL that Shanahan intends to promote a coach from within.In NFL coaching circles, there's a belief that Kyle Shanahan is preparing
Read More
No Huddle Podcast: 49ers Defensive Coordinator Search & Roster Musings
By Site Staff
Feb 21
(Episode 315) - Brian Renick in solo to share his thoughts on the defensive coordinator search, the possibility of Bill Belichick leading the 49ers defense, the potential of a Brandon Aiyuk holdout, a few ways the 49ers can make some cap space, going all-in next season, and more.The audio for the show is embedded above. Remember to subscribe!You can listen to the latest "No Huddle Podcast" episode above, from our dedicated podcast page, on
Read More
49ers complete two interviews for defensive coordinator job, with more to come
By David Bonilla
Feb 26
According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, the San Francisco 49ers have completed interviews with former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley and 49ers defensive passing game specialist Nick Sorensen for the team's vacant defensive coordinator position.The 49ers are seeking to fill the void left by Steve Wilks, who was dismissed after the team's defeat in Super Bowl 58. Wilks served only one season as San Francisco's defensive coordinator, during which the unit ranked eighth in yards allowed, third in points allowed, third in rushing yards allowed, and 14th in passing yards allowed
Read More
Graziano: Salary cap situation may force 49ers to consider trading Brandon Aiyuk
By David Bonilla
Feb 19
All eyes will be on Brandon Aiyuk's contract situation this offseason. As the San Francisco 49ers cleaned out their locker rooms last week, the wide receiver was asked if he hopes to remain with the team that drafted him, to which he replied, "If that's the right move, yeah."The "right move" means securing a contract extension that places Aiyuk among the highest-paid receivers in the NFL. The 49ers have already invested significantly in Aiyuk's teammate, Deebo Samuel. But can they afford to retain both?Aiyuk is entering his fifth NFL season, and the 49ers exercised the fifth-year option for the receive, keeping him under contract through the end of the 2024 season. If the
Read More
