San Francisco 49ers Defensive Coordinator Steve Wilks Fired After Super Bowl Loss

Despite assurances from head coach Kyle Shanahan just a day earlier that all coaching staff members were expected to return, the San Francisco 49ers made a surprising move on Wednesday by parting ways with defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, who had completed his first season with the team.

The decision came in the aftermath of the 49ers’ heart-wrenching loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII, where the defense showcased moments of brilliance but ultimately faltered late in the game. Despite battling injuries and adversity, the unit struggled to contain Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, particularly in critical situations.

In hindsight, defensive end Nick Bosa acknowledged that the team could have been better prepared for Mahomes’ running abilities, especially in read-option plays. However, Shanahan’s decision to call a timeout late in overtime, seemingly disagreeing with Wilks’ defensive scheme, raised eyebrows and hinted at potential underlying issues.

Wilks, 54, joined the 49ers ahead of the previous season after stints with the Carolina Panthers and a brief tenure as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. While the defense had shown promise under Wilks, especially during the regular season, the disappointment in their playoff performances and the Super Bowl loss led to his dismissal.

General Manager John Lynch expressed pride in the defense’s efforts in the Super Bowl but emphasized that the team expected more consistency and effort, especially in crucial postseason moments.

Despite the improvements made by the defense throughout the season, it seems they fell short of the organization’s expectations, ultimately costing Wilks his job as defensive coordinator.