After a failed attempt with an external hire, the San Francisco 49ers made a swift change, dismissing Steve Wilks as defensive coordinator after just one season. Now, they’ve turned to internal promotion by elevating Nick Sorensen to the role, with guidance from former Chargers head coach Brandon Staley. Their aim is to restore the 49ers’ defensive prowess following a slight decline last season.
Sorensen, speaking publicly for the first time since his offseason appointment, emphasized the team’s shared commitment to excellence. He acknowledged the high defensive standards set by predecessors Robert Saleh and DeMeco Ryans and expressed his personal accountability for meeting them.
Under Wilks, the 49ers fell short of their defensive benchmarks, particularly evident in playoff struggles against the run and late-game lapses in the Super Bowl. Contrasting with the success under Ryans in 2022, Wilks’ tenure saw the team rank third in points allowed and 10th in advanced efficiency metrics.
Wilks faced challenges aligning with Coach Kyle Shanahan’s preferred defensive system, notably struggling against the run throughout the season. The playoff shortcomings prompted the coaching change, leading to Sorensen’s promotion. Transitioning from a role as a passing game specialist, Sorensen now assumes responsibility for the entire defense, marking a significant step in his coaching career.
Sorensen’s journey with the 49ers began in 2022 as a defensive assistant, where he temporarily filled in for linebackers coach Johnny Holland. During his tenure, Sorensen conducted weekly meetings focused on turnover creation and error reduction.
Prior to joining the 49ers, Sorensen served as the special teams coach in Jacksonville in 2021 and spent eight seasons in Seattle as an assistant, primarily focusing on the secondary and special teams. His experience with defensive schemes akin to the 49ers’ makes him a fitting candidate to lead the team’s defensive resurgence.
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