The San Francisco 49ers, last season’s NFC champions, find themselves in search of a new defensive coordinator after the surprising dismissal of Steve Wilks by head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Wilks’s firing came in the aftermath of the 49ers’ Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, a game marked by a fourth-quarter collapse. Despite Wilks’s track record of success and his brief tenure with the 49ers, Shanahan opted for a change.
In the quest to fill the void, the 49ers have explored both internal options and external candidates, including former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley.
Adding another intriguing name to the mix, NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo reports that the 49ers are interviewing David Merritt, the defensive backs coach for the Kansas City Chiefs, for the open position.
Merritt has been a pivotal figure in Kansas City since 2019, notably contributing to the development of cornerback Charvarius Ward, who subsequently joined the 49ers on a lucrative contract before the 2022 season. Ward recently earned his first All-Pro nod, a testament to Merritt’s coaching acumen.
The timing of Merritt’s interview coincides with reports that the Chiefs intend to franchise tag cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, who is also seeking a potential trade. This development raises eyebrows, hinting at a potential connection between the 49ers and Chiefs.
While it may seem speculative, the 49ers, eager to contend, could explore options to bolster their cornerback depth behind Ward. Sneed’s familiarity with Ward from their time in Kansas City, combined with Merritt’s coaching experience with both players, creates intriguing possibilities.
Financial constraints might pose a challenge, given the 49ers’ limited cap space. However, with strategic contract restructuring, the team could free up substantial funds to pursue impactful moves.
Should the 49ers ultimately hire Merritt, it could signal a proactive approach to addressing defensive needs. Known for their willingness to engage in trades, especially with a surplus of draft picks, the 49ers could leverage their assets to secure valuable talent.
As for Sneed, his stellar performance for the Chiefs last season underscores his potential impact. With impressive stats in coverage, he could be a coveted asset for teams seeking defensive reinforcements.
