The 49ers’ secret search for a defensive coordinator may be nearing an end, with one outcome potentially growing more likely.
Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle reported Wednesday that there is a belief in NFL circles that Shanahan and the 49ers plan to fill the opening with an internal hire. However, the secretive nature of the search does leave open a number of other possibilities.
In NFL coaching circles, there’s a belief that Kyle Shanahan is preparing to fill the 49ers’ vacant DC opening from within.
That said, this has been one of the more secretive searches in recent memory, so until there’s an announcement, feel free to dream those big dreams…
We do not know who the 49ers have interviewed, if anyone, for their opening. There were rumors early in the process that they might target a former rival coach for the opening, but it is not clear if that has even been considered.
The 49ers are hunting for a new defensive coordinator after letting Steve Wilks go after one season.
The team was excellent defensively in 2023, but Wilks and Shanahan appeared to have some philosophical differences, so perhaps it makes sense to stick to an internal hire.
In Another News, Analyst Says Bill Belichick Would Be ‘Amazing Hire’ For one NFL Team
The San Francisco 49ers parted ways with defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.
They now have one of the hottest coaching vacancies in the football industry.
As of now, former Los Angeles Chargers HC Brandon Staley is considered to be leading the race to land the job.
Nonetheless, NFL analyst Craig Carton revealed that Bill Belichick could also be in play as their next defensive coordinator.
In the latest edition of The Carton Show, he wondered why on Earth they would even consider hiring Staley after watching how much the Chargers struggled on defense, especially late in games.
Belichick, on the other hand, would be a great hire, albeit a shocking and amazing one.
“That would be one of the most shocking and amazing hires in a long time,” Carton said.
Could Bill Belichick be a good fit for the #49ers DC position?
Carton argued that Belichick might not want to be away from the game for at least one year, adding that being a defensive coordinator is in his roots and that he loves the game too much.
Of course, he also acknowledges that it would take Belichick to put his big ego aside to realize that he’s no longer a head coach and focus exclusively on the defense.
With the kind of talent the Niners have on that side of the ball, hiring arguably the greatest defensive mind in football history would be the ultimate move by GM John Lynch.
Still, watching Belichick accept a lesser position would be a major surprise, especially considering that he used to call all the shots in New England.
