The San Francisco 49ers have made the tough decision to fire defensive coordinator Steve Wilks just days after their heartbreaking Super Bowl LVIII loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. This move marks the beginning of a significant shift within the team’s coaching staff as they look to the future.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan, who announced the decision, described it as a “really tough decision” but emphasized the need to find a coordinator who is a better scheme fit for the talent on San Francisco’s defense. Despite the 49ers’ defense ranking third in the league this season with 17.5 points allowed per game, their performance in the postseason raised concerns, with the points allowed ballooning to 25.7 in three games.
The decision to part ways with Wilks comes as a surprise, especially since Shanahan had previously stated, “I expect all our coaches to be back.” However, the Super Bowl’s outcome, where the 49ers allowed two touchdowns and two field goals on the final four drives, seems to have been a catalyst for change.
Wilks, a respected defensive mind with previous head coaching experience, faced the challenge of adding his own touch to a system that was unfamiliar to him. Shanahan acknowledged the difficulty of this task, stating, “That was the hardest part. I knew that was a challenge.” He also expressed his respect for Wilks’ loyalty and efforts to adapt to the system.
The 49ers’ defense experienced mixed results under Wilks’ leadership. Issues became more apparent during the playoffs, with the run defense being particularly vulnerable. The team’s inability to effectively tie together the secondary with the front seven was also noted as a concern.
Shanahan is now looking at both internal and external candidates to fill the defensive coordinator position, with the goal of maintaining or improving upon the system that has been successful for the team. He is open to considering a new system if it proves to be a better fit for the roster.
This shakeup in the coaching staff is not isolated to the defensive coordinator position. The 49ers will see several other coaching changes, with at least four coaches being hired away by other teams.
As the 49ers move forward, they will be looking to build upon their strong foundation while ensuring that their coaching staff is fully aligned with the team’s strategic direction and the players’ strengths. The search for a new defensive coordinator will be a critical step in preparing for the 2024 season and beyond.
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The 49ers fire defensive coordinator Steve Wilks after their Super Bowl loss
