Is Kyle Shanahan Hiring Criticized Brandon Staley as 49ers Defensive Coordinator?

Kyle Shanahan, familiar with navigating media scrutiny, finds himself under intense criticism after the San Francisco 49ers’ loss in Super Bowl LVIII to the Kansas City Chiefs, ending 25-22 in overtime.

In a surprising move, Shanahan dismissed defensive coordinator Steve Wilks on Wednesday, sparking speculation about his replacement. Pro Football Talk suggests Shanahan might turn to former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley, who is no stranger to facing criticism himself.

Many observers doubt that Shanahan would dismiss Wilks without a successor in mind. Staley, formerly with the Rams and Chargers, is seen as a potential candidate for the role.

Staley’s tenure with the Chargers ended in 2023 following a blowout loss to the Raiders, and he wasn’t rehired by the Rams when their defensive coordinator position opened up. While Staley and Shanahan have no prior working relationship, their teams have faced off in past seasons, with the 49ers emerging victorious in all three encounters.

While hiring Staley may draw criticism given his struggles as a head coach with the Chargers, particularly due to perceived overly aggressive in-game decisions, his defensive acumen during his time with the Rams suggests he could thrive in a coordinator role, free from the pressures of managing games.