𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: Former #Chargers HC Brandon Staley met with Kyle Shanahan last week regarding the #49ers vacant DC position, per @mattbarrows pic.twitter.com/mgjKljJNrS

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 26, 2024

 

Wilks was sacked in early February after only one season as the defensive coordinator for the 49ers, shortly after the Super Bowl, due to inconsistent outcomes with the team’s defense.

According to a report by Matt Maiocco from NBC Sports Bay Area on Monday, the San Francisco 49ers have completed two interviews for their vacant defensive coordinator position. Head coach Kyle Shanahan informed Maiocco that the team had interviewed Brandon Staley, the former head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, and Nick Sorensen, who is currently the 49ers’ defensive pass game specialist.

Staley, who was relieved of his duties as the Chargers’ head coach in December after a 5-9 start to the season, had coached the Chargers from 2021 to 2023.

On the other hand, Sorensen has been part of the 49ers since 2022 when he joined as a defensive assistant. Last season, he served as the team’s pass game coordinator.

Although the 49ers allowed only 17.5 points per game during the last season, they faced challenges on the defensive end during the playoffs.

Shanahan, aiming to lead the team to success after falling short of winning the Super Bowl last season, is on the lookout for the right defensive coordinator to strengthen the team’s defense for the upcoming season.

Daniel Bullocks, the defensive backs coach for the 49ers, is also expected to interview for the defensive coordinator position later in the week, as Shanahan has confirmed.

Given the NFL’s mandate to interview at least two minority candidates for all coordinator roles, further updates on the hiring process are eagerly anticipated.