49ers Eyeing Ex-NFL Head Coach for Defensive Coordinator Role!

The San Francisco 49ers wasted no time in making significant changes following their Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, with reports emerging earlier this week that the team had parted ways with defensive coordinator Steve Wilks and was now actively seeking his replacement for the upcoming season. Recent speculation suggests that former Los Angeles Chargers coach Brandon Staley could be the frontrunner for the Niners’ defensive coordinator position.

According to Mike Florio, it’s unlikely that 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan would dismiss Wilks without a potential successor in mind. Florio noted that many in the league believe Shanahan may eventually tap Staley, who previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams and as head coach of the Chargers.

However, Florio indicated that this would only happen if other notable candidates like Bill Belichick or Mike Vrabel weren’t interested in the role or if they received offers elsewhere before Staley. He emphasized that while Staley seems to be one of the top options available at this point in the offseason, there’s no confirmation yet that Shanahan will interview him.

Considering the 49ers’ close proximity to winning the Super Bowl, it might seem surprising that they’re already considering such significant changes. Yet, their eagerness to find a new defensive coordinator for a team with considerable defensive talent suggests a commitment to optimizing their roster. The possibility of securing someone of Belichick’s or Vrabel’s caliber for the position is intriguing, although it remains uncertain if either would be willing to transition to a defensive coordinator role. Should both decline, Staley appears poised to step in for the 49ers.