Steve Wilks relieved as 49ers defensive coordinator

In a surprising turn of events, the 49ers have made the decision to part ways with Steve Wilks after only one season.

San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan made the announcement Wednesday, informing Wilks of the decision earlier in the day.

“It wasn’t easy,” Kyle Shanahan stated during an impromptu press conference. “It ended up not being the right fit.”

Shanahan and the 49ers brass took the last few days to make the decision, ultimately coming to it in the last 24 hours. Just a day earlier, the 49ers coach said he “expects all our coaches to be back.”

The 49ers’ brass will now look both internally and externally at DC candidates. That includes prominent 49ers coaches Kris Kocurek and Johnny Holland, as well as respected coaches outside of the organization.

Steve Wilks joined the 49ers coaching staff last summer, taking over for current Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans. A revered defensive mind by many around the league, Wilks was tasked with elevating the 49ers’ unit to a championship-caliber. But after following short in Super Bowl LVIII, a change was made.

Kyle Shanahan also announced that several 49ers position coaches were leaving for new opportunities in the 2024 season. That includes Klint Kubiak, Anthony Lynn, James Cregg and Darryl Tapp.

After losing their second Super Bowl in five seasons, changes were expected for the 49ers. The severity of those moves is still to be determined throughout the offseason.

Key offseason dates for the San Francisco 49ers

• Tuesday, Feb. 20th – Teams can begin franchising players until Tuesday, March 5th
• Tuesday, Feb. 27 – NFL Combine begins
• Thursday, March 13 – The 2024 free agency signing period begins at 1 p.m. PST

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