Shanahan Shakes Up Defensive Coaching Staff: New Defensive Coordinator Named

In a significant coaching move, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan announced the dismissal of defensive coordinator Steve Wilks as the team wraps up the 2023 season. Wilks, who was brought in last offseason following DeMeco Ryans’ departure to lead the Houston Texans as head coach, arrived in San Francisco after a stint as the interim head coach for the Carolina Panthers in late 2022.

During his tenure, Wilks played a pivotal role in guiding the 49ers’ defense to impressive rankings, including a top 10 standing in total defense, holding opponents to an average of 303.9 yards per game. Notably, the team excelled against the run, ranking third in the league by allowing just 89.7 rushing yards per game. Additionally, the 49ers led the NFL with an impressive 22 interceptions, a testament to Wilks’ impact on the team’s defensive strategies and performance.

Despite these achievements, the organization has opted for a change in leadership, signaling a new direction for the defensive unit as they enter the offseason seeking to enhance their competitive edge for the upcoming season.

“(It was a) really tough decision because it really says nothing about Steve as a man or as a football coach,” Shanahan said. “He’s exactly what we wanted as a man. He’s a great football coach. But where we’re going and where we’re at with our team, from a scheme standpoint, looking through it all throughout the year to these last few days, we felt pretty strongly that this was a decision that was best for our organization.

“Even though it was one I didn’t want to make. It was something that I realized that I think a different direction is what’s best for organization.”

According to Shanahan, the hunt for a new defensive coordinator will involve considering candidates from within the team, as well as coaches from other organizations, while also being open to those who bring innovative defensive systems to the table.

“I’m committed to try, with the situation we’re in, trying to find what we believe will give the Niners the best chance in 2024,” Shanahan said. “When you have a group of guys who have played at a high level doing certain things a specific way for a while, I do feel that’s the best thing to do for them. But if I find something that I believe in and it can be sold on that could be a better avenue, I would never hesitate to do that.”

Darryl Tapp is headed to the Washington Commanders to be the new defensive line coach

Anthony Lynn is headed to the Washington Commanders to be the run game coordinator

James Cregg is headed to the Las Vegas Raiders to be their new offensive line coach