49ers Fired Defensive Coordinator Steve Wilks
Let the fallout begin after the Super Bowl loss. Head coach Kyle Shanahan announced this afternoon that the 49ers have fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. He held a press conference with the media to make the announcement. After giving the matter some thought he made the decision to let Wilks go. Shanahan said he hadn’t made up his mind when he had previously been asked if Wilks would be terminated. But apparently, he considered what was best for the team and made his decision. Wilks was informed prior to Shanahan speaking to the media about the termination.
In the presser, Shanahan indicated there was a disconnect with Wilks’ background being more with defensive backs versus linebackers. The way they coached linebacker prior to Wilks didn’t match up making things harder than they needed to be. Also he would like to continue with how they coach the linebackers. However, if someone can bring in their own system that works then he would consider that. Shanahan indicated that they would look both internally and externally in regard to filling the vacancy.
As for Wilks, he has an extensive NFL coaching back ground. He has served in various defensive coaching roles such as defensive backs coach, secondary coach and defensive coordinator. His career in the NFL started in 2006 with the Chicago Bears. From there he went to the San Diego Chargers and then the Carolina Panthers. The Arizona Cardinals hired him as their head coach in 2018. However, after finishing the season at 3-13 the Cardinals fired him on December 31, 2018. Many thought the firing was unwarranted after only one season. In 2019 he was hired by the Cleveland Browns as defensive coordinator. But the Browns fired head coach Freddie Kitchens and hired Kevin Stefanski. Wilks was a casualty of the firing.
49ers Fired Defensive Coordinator Steve Wilks
He went on to spend a season with the University of Missouri and a second stint with Panthers. Then he was hired by the 49ers in February 2023. Based on his resume it seems that Wilks has a terrible case of bad timing or bad luck. Arizona gave him no time to get the Cardinals on a winning path. The Browns fired their head coach and Wilks was caught in the cross-fire. Now we have Kyle Shanahan’s third Super Bowl loss but Wilks is the one who gets fired. Even after the defense finished in the top 10.
I hope the future will be brighter for Steve Wilks. At 54 years of age, I doubt if he is ready to give up his coaching career. Perhaps he can finally end up in the right place at the right time.
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