The San Francisco 49ers have made a surprising decision to part ways with their defensive coordinator, Steve Wilks, after just one season. This move has left many fans and analysts puzzled, as Wilks was highly regarded for his defensive expertise and had previously enjoyed success with other teams.
Wilks joined the 49ers last year with high expectations of improving the team's defense. However, despite some promising moments, the defense failed to live up to its potential throughout the season. The team struggled in key areas such as pass rush and run defense, leading to disappointing results.
The 49ers lost Super Bowl LVIII to the Kansas City Chiefs, 25-22, in a game where the defense played well for most of the game but folded late. The Chiefs scored only one touchdown in regulation, and it came off a muffed punt deep in San Francisco territory. It was even more impressive considering Dre Greenlaw suffered a torn Achilles midgame and Arik Armstead and Javon Hargrave were playing through injuries in the Super Bowl.
But on the final possession of regulation and the first series of overtime, the 49ers' defense couldn't stop Patrick Mahomes from doing enough -- a few times with his legs -- to lead them to victory late.
In Wilks' lone season with the Niners, the defense had its share of ups and downs. A unit that led the NFL in multiple categories in 2022 under DeMeco Ryans -- including fewest points per game allowed (16.3) and defensive expected points added (89.58) -- took a step back in 2023.
San Francisco still finished third in points allowed (17.5) this season, but the 49ers were ninth in defensive EPA (41.48) and sprung significant leaks against the run in the playoffs, allowing the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs to average 5.1 yards per carry and 149.3 yards per game in the postseason.
The Niners will have several other coaching changes on their staff, with at least four coaches getting hired away by other teams.
Passing game coordinator Klint Kubiak will become offensive coordinator in New Orleans, running backs coach Anthony Lynn will be run game coordinator in Washington, assistant defensive line coach Darryl Tapp will take over as defensive line coach in Washington and assistant offensive line coach James Cregg will become offensive line coach in Las Vegas.
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