49ers to hire Steve Wilks as next defensive coordinator
The 49ers have their new defensive coordinator. NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero on Tuesday reported San Francisco is set to hire former Panthers interim head coach Steve Wilks to replace DeMeco Ryans.
Wilks, 53, took the Panthers to a 6-6 record as their interim head coach last season after replacing Matt Rhule. He brings with him to San Francisco 17 seasons of NFL experience, including two as a defensive coordinator.
The Panthers made Wilks their defensive coordinator in 2017. That year they finished No. 7 in yards allowed and No. 11 in points allowed. In 2019 with the Browns he was less successful. That club finished 22nd in points and 20th in yards.
He had a one-year stint as the Cardinals head coach in 2018. Arizona that year went 3-13, but Wilks could work his way back into the mix for a head coaching gig following his showing in Carolina this year.
Both of the 49ers last two DCs, Robert Saleh and DeMeco Ryans, have gone on to be head coaches.
