Why did 49ers fire DC Steve Wilks after just one season in San Francisco?

The San Francisco 49ers were the favorites to secure the Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs in Las Vegas. They have some formidable weapons that Patrick Mahomes and Co. definitely lack. The 49ers even had a 10-point lead in the Super Bowl finale. However, they again had to swallow the bitter taste of defeat despite being on the cusp of victory.

Following their heartbreaking loss, the 49ers have opted for a change at defensive coordinator for the second consecutive offseason. The team announced their decision to part ways with DC Steve Wilks after the Super Bowl loss.

Why did the 49ers sack Steve Wilks?

The San Francisco 49ers’ decision to sack Steve Wilks as their defensive coordinator was largely influenced by the team’s disappointment with their defensive performance in the Super Bowl and throughout the postseason. Despite a strong showing in the regular season, where they ranked eighth in yards allowed per game and third in points allowed per game, their defense faltered in the playoffs.

During the playoff run, the 49ers struggled defensively after conceding 409 yards and 25.7 points per game across three matchups. Their Achilles’ heel proved to be containing the run, as they allowed over 110 rushing yards in each game and surrendered five total rushing touchdowns.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed that the move was deemed necessary for the organization’s best interests, despite his reluctance.

“We felt pretty strongly that this was the decision that was best for our organization. Even though it was one I didn’t want to make, it was something that once I realized that a different direction was what’s best for our organization, it’s something that I have to do,” he said.

Wilks had joined the 49ers at the beginning of the 2023 season. He succeeded DeMeco Ryans, who had moved on to become the head coach of the Houston Texans.

Fans outraged at 49ers decision to sack Steve Wilks

The 49ers’ decision to part ways with Steve Wilks has sparked outrage among fans. The team showcased a strong defensive performance under Wilks’ leadership, which saw the team finish in the top 10 for total sacks and second in interceptions. Nevertheless, his tenure was abruptly cut short after just one season.

Fans were quick to express their frustration, citing instances where the defense excelled. The 49ers limited the Chiefs to some mere points and effectively shut down star tight end Travis Kelce. But their offensive side couldn’t score enough to secure the win.

A fan wrote, “San Fran’s defense only gave up 19 points in regulation and 7 of those points came on a short field after muffed punt. That’s not the reason why the Niners lost.”

Another user wrote, ” Held Mahomes and the Chiefs to 19 points in regulation. Offensive genius at HC should have found a way to score 20 points. That said, the defensive strategy late in the game was mind numbing. It was either soft zone or cover 0 (why??)”

Criticism was also directed at HC Shanahan, especially in light of his track record in Super Bowl appearances. Shanahan’s past experiences includes the infamous collapse as offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in 2016 and the recent loss to the Chiefs in 2019 as HC of the 49ers.

This has made him a target of dissatisfaction among fans, and many even wanted the 49ers to fire him. Some fans speculated that Shanahan sought to deflect blame by sacrificing Wilks.

A netizen wrote, “That’s wild! He played a hell of a defensive game. Kyle got back to that office and passed the blame.”

A user wrote, “Kyle Shanahan wasn’t taking the fall. Someone’s head was rolling. Smh.”

Steve Wilks earlier faced speculation about a potential head coaching position with the Panthers before Frank Reich secured the role. Wilks had previously served as the Panthers’ interim head coach in 2022. The Panthers ultimately fired Reich after a disappointing regular season. Now, it remains to be seen how Wilks’ fate will unfold.