Kyle Shanahan Considers In-House Candidates for Defensive Coordinator Position
In the aftermath of Steve Wilks’ sudden firing, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is considering three potential in-house candidates for the vacant defensive coordinator position. These candidates include Kris Kocurek, the team’s defensive line coach, Johnny Holland, the linebackers coach, and Daniel Bullocks, the defensive backs coach. Shanahan spoke about their coaching credentials but did not make any definitive decisions following the team’s recent Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Shanahan expressed his intention to meet with all three coaches and give them a fair opportunity to be considered for the position. However, he did not single out any specific candidate at this early stage. Kocurek, who has been with the 49ers since 2019, has played a significant role in the team’s defense, contributing to two Super Bowl appearances and four NFC Championship Game appearances. Shanahan acknowledged Kocurek’s expertise in coaching the defensive line and praised his abilities as a coach.
Bullocks, on the other hand, has been the team’s defensive backs coach since 2017. Under his guidance, the 49ers’ defensive backs have excelled, tying for first in interceptions in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Shanahan commended Bullocks for his performance and expressed his respect for him as a coach.
While Shanahan did not provide specific details about Holland’s credentials, he did mention that he has been acquainted with both Holland and Kocurek for some time. Holland has been working with the 49ers linebackers since 2017 and has played a crucial role in the development of players like Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw.
Although Shanahan did not rule out the possibility of considering external candidates, he emphasized his commitment to maintaining consistency and minimizing major changes within the team. He believes that sticking with the current group of players and their established methods will give the 49ers the best chance of success in the upcoming 2024 season. However, Shanahan remains open-minded and willing to explore all possibilities to ensure the team’s success.
In conclusion, Kyle Shanahan is carefully considering the potential in-house candidates for the 49ers’ defensive coordinator position. While Kris Kocurek, Johnny Holland, and Daniel Bullocks are being evaluated for the role, Shanahan remains open to external candidates if they prove to be a better fit. Ultimately, Shanahan’s priority is to find the best solution that will maximize the team’s chances of success in the upcoming season while maintaining the strengths of the current roster.
Niners in Search of New Defensive Coordinator
In a surprising move, the San Francisco 49ers are on the hunt for a new Defensive Coordinator. Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed his desire to find someone who can continue the team’s successful defensive strategies.
Shanahan stated, “I lean towards trying to keep them doing similar stuff that they’ve been very good at that’s got us very far. But I have to make sure that I find the right person who’s capable of leading our group in that way.”
Several external candidates are being considered for the position, including former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley, Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merrit, and Los Angeles Rams defensive back coach Anthony Pleasant.
Despite the decision to part ways with former Defensive Coordinator Steve Wilks, Shanahan spoke highly of his qualities. “Really tough decision because [it] really says nothing about Steve as a man or as a football coach. He is exactly what we wanted as a man. He is a great football coach,” Shanahan said.
Shanahan emphasized that the decision was made with the team’s future direction in mind. “Just where we’re going and where we’re at with our team from a scheme standpoint and things like that, looking through it all throughout the year, through these last few days, I felt pretty strongly that this was the decision that was best for our organization,” Shanahan explained. “And even though it was one I didn’t want to make, it was something that once I realized that I think a different direction is what’s best for organization, then it’s something that I have to do.”
The 49ers had a solid regular season, allowing only 17.3 points and 303.9 yards per game. However, they faced challenges in the postseason, with two younger teams scoring more than 20 points against them. Additionally, they struggled to contain the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half of the Super Bowl on Sunday.
As the search for a new Defensive Coordinator begins, the Niners are eager to find someone who can elevate their defense and help them reach new heights.
According to the Source heavy.com