Former Panthers’ interim head coach Steve Wilks fired as 49ers’ defensive coordinator

SAN FRANCISCO, CA. (CHARLOTTE SPORTS LIVE) — Former Panthers’ interim head coach Steve Wilks has been fired as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator.

Wilks was hired by the 49ers at the start of the 2023 season after the team’s previous defensive coordinator, DeMeco Ryans, was hired as the Houston Texans’ head coach.

San Francisco’s head coach, Kyle Shannahan, reportedly told several reporters that Wilks “just ended up being not the right fit.”

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Although Wilks’ defense finished top 10 in the NFL in total sacks and second in the league in interceptions, his tenure in San Francisco only lasted one season.

Many fans were rooting for Steve Wilks to be hired as the Panthers’ next head coach before Frank Reich was hired. Carolina went 6-6 in 12 games as the Panthers’ interim head coach in 2022 and led the team close to the playoffs.

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