Following San Francisco’s Super Bowl loss, a significant change has occurred on the coaching staff. Head coach Kyle Shanahan announced on Wednesday that defensive coordinator Steve Wilks has been relieved of his duties.
Shanahan revealed during a conference call that the decision was made today, citing a misalignment between Wilks’ defensive system and the team’s previous defensive coordinators’ approaches. Consequently, Wilks departs after just one season in the Bay Area.
As anticipated, DeMeco Ryans emerged as a top coaching candidate in the 2023 hiring cycle. His decision to join the Texans as head coach left a vacancy at the defensive coordinator position, a scenario similar to when Robert Saleh was appointed head coach of the Jets. Wilks was brought in after his stint as interim head coach of the Panthers, which some believed would secure him the full-time role.
However, Carolina ultimately hired Frank Reich, prompting Wilks to seek another coordinator position. Expectations were high when he joined the 49ers as Ryans’ successor, given his NFL experience, including previous stints as defensive coordinator with the Panthers in 2017 and the Browns in 2019. While San Francisco’s defense, featuring a formidable front seven, helped propel the team to the Super Bowl, it faced challenges throughout the season.
In the regular season, the 49ers ranked in the top eight in both points and yards allowed, performing better against the run than the pass due to injuries at the safety position. However, the postseason saw struggles, with both the Packers and Lions finding success on the ground. Criticisms of Wilks’ unit intensified leading up to the Super Bowl, including self-reflection from the 54-year-old himself.
In the championship game, the 49ers initially held the Chiefs to just three points in the first half and even registered an interception in the third quarter. However, the defense faltered in the late stages, allowing Kansas City to tie the game with a field goal in regulation and ultimately score the winning touchdown in overtime, amassing 455 yards of offense overall.
Wilks interviewed for head coaching positions this year but did not advance as a finalist for the Falcons’ or Chargers’ vacancies. With all defensive coordinator positions filled for 2024, Wilks will explore opportunities for a position coaching role or a return to college football. Shanahan indicated that he will consider both internal and external candidates to replace Wilks, signaling a significant void to fill as the 49ers enter the offseason.
