The San Francisco 49ers have terminated their defensive coordinator, Steve Wilks, following their defeat in the Super Bowl.
SANTA CLARA, Calif.
The San Francisco 49ers have dismissed Steve Wilks from his role as defensive coordinator on Wednesday, following their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl three days prior.
Coach Kyle Shanahan announced the decision to move on after one season with Wilks in charge of the defense. Shanahan called it a “really tough decision” but said he wants to find a coordinator who was a better scheme fit for the talent on San Francisco’s defense.
The speaker expressed that they were convinced that this was the right choice for their organization. Despite not wanting to make it, they recognized that a change in direction was necessary for the well-being of the organization and therefore had to follow through with it.
After losing DeMeco Ryans, who became the head coach of Houston, Shanahan hired Wilks. Ryans had aided San Francisco in achieving the top defense in the league in 2022.
Shanahan desired to maintain the current system that had proven to be effective, while Wilks faced the challenging assignment of incorporating his own unique elements into an unfamiliar plan.
“That was the most difficult aspect. I was aware it would be a challenge,” stated Shanahan. “We have made a commitment not only to a specific system, but also to the players who have been a part of it for a considerable amount of time – our D-line and linebackers. My aim was to avoid having to make significant changes and instead bring in Steve, who was exceptional in his loyalty and efforts to adapt.”
“I ultimately realized it was not a good match. It was difficult for me to make this decision, but it was necessary.”
The regular season had varying outcomes. Wilks had to switch from the booth to the field after a three-game losing streak in October, which resulted in a slight decrease in San Francisco’s defensive performance during the regular season.
Problems arose during the playoffs when the run defense was repeatedly exploited by Green Bay and Detroit, leading coaches and players to question the level of effort being put forth. In the final stretch against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, the Niners were unable to hold up defensively.
The Niners were able to limit Kansas City to only six points in the first nine possessions during the Super Bowl. However, they ultimately lost 25-22 in overtime after giving up two touchdowns and two field goals in the final four drives.
Nick Bosa, the defensive end, mentioned after the game that the team was not ready for Mahomes to run with the ball in crucial plays, resulting in first downs on the drive that ultimately won the game.
The San Francisco 49ers were the initial team to dismiss an offensive or defensive coordinator after a Super Bowl defeat since Atlanta let go of defensive coordinator Richard Smith after blowing a 28-3 lead against New England in Super Bowl 51. Kyle Shanahan, who was the offensive coordinator for the Falcons during that game, departed to become the head coach of the 49ers after the loss.
Wilks came from a background in the secondary, following two coordinators in San Francisco who were previously linebackers coaches. According to Shanahan, the Niners faced difficulties in connecting the secondary and front seven during this season.
Shanahan stated that he will evaluate both internal and external applicants in his search for a replacement. He expressed openness to hiring a coordinator who will introduce a new system, but also believes that the current system is most suitable for the team’s current roster.
“If a group of experienced individuals have been consistently performing certain tasks in a particular manner, I believe it’s best to continue doing so,” he stated. “However, if I come across a different approach that I am convinced is more effective, I would not hesitate to make a change.”
The Niners will experience multiple coaching alterations within their staff, as at least four coaches have been recruited by other teams.
Klint Kubiak, the current passing game coordinator, will now serve as the offensive coordinator for the New Orleans team. Anthony Lynn, who is currently the running backs coach, will take on the role of run game coordinator for Washington. Meanwhile, Darryl Tapp, assistant coach for the defensive line, will assume the position of defensive line coach for Washington. Finally, James Cregg, current assistant coach for the offensive line, will become the offensive line coach for Las Vegas.
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The NFL on AP: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Source: wralsportsfan.com