49ers Steve Wilks expected to receive numerous calls for vacant coaching roles

Jan 10, 2024, 4:35 PM | Updated: Jan 11, 2024, 8:54 am

Defensive Coordinator Steve Wilks of the San Francisco 49ers on the sideline during the game agains...

Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

The 2024 NFL postseason may not be starting for the 49ers until next week, but Steve Wilks is staying busy thanks to a few calls about job offers.

The San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator is expected to receive heavy interest across the NFL over various head coaching and coordinator positions. Wilks has already been formally requested to interview with the Los Angeles Chargers, and others are expected over the coming days and weeks.

San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the reports earlier this week, also hinting at other calls coming in.

“Officially, yes,” Shanahan stated. “I get a lot of phone calls, so I know there’s a lot more people interested, but you got to go through the process of formally requesting an interview. I’ve only got that from the Chargers so far.”

Many teams are expected to be interested in Wilks, especially with seven head coach openings still available. That includes his former team, the Carolina Panthers, leading them to a 6-6 record to close out last season. After he was let go by Carolina, Wilks took his talents to Santa Clara. His defense allowed the third-fewest points, ranked fifth in turnovers and eighth in total yardage.

I spoke with several high-ranking executives about Steve Wilks, the #49ers’ defensive coordinator and a highly sought-after head coaching candidate.

One of the things he does best is simplifying complex schemes for players. Wilks’ unique ability to connect personally with his… pic.twitter.com/iBIhgViX8j

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 10, 2024

Shanahan has talked with the veteran coordinator about the interview process, explaining that the team’s Bye Week helps Wilks get the interviews out of the way.

“It just works out so well when you do have the Bye Week. So now is a great week for him [to interview]. I think it’s the only week they’re allowed to talk,” Shanahan said. “I’m not exactly sure the rules anymore, but I think this is the only week they’re allowed to talk. When it comes to the teams that have the Bye Week, that was the only time that I talked when I was on the Bye Week. So, it really works out and makes it easy for both situations.”

All interviews with prospective teams are expected to be virtual.

The 49ers have lost a coordinator to a HC gig in the last three seasons. Robert Saleh left for the New York Jets in 2021, Mike McDaniel departed for Miami in 2022 and DeMeco Ryans headed to Houston after last season.

Could Steve Wilks make it 4/4? Only time will tell.