The San Francisco 49ers lost defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans to the Houston Texans in the hiring cycle. So the Niners, one of the top contenders in the NFC, needed to make sure they aced their next hire. They arguably did exactly that on Monday as the team hired Steve Wilks to be their new defensive coordinator.
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero was among the first to report. “The 49ers plan to hire Steve Wilks as their defensive coordinator,” Pelissero tweeted, crediting himself and fellow insider Ian Rapoport.
The #49ers plan to hire Steve Wilks as their defensive coordinator, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
Wilks replaces DeMeco Ryans, who is now the #Texans’ head coach, and lands in an ideal spot. pic.twitter.com/vyOwVu0QPE
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 7, 2023
Wilks has led a fascinating NFL coaching life the past few seasons, but one thing that can’t be questioned after last season is whether he can motivate. He took over the Carolina Panthers after they fired head coach Matt Rhule. Once looking completely lost, the Panthers caught fire under Wilks. They made a serious push at the NFC South Division Championship, even though they were braced to win the division with a sub-.500 record.
One thing that can’t be denied either is that Wilks is a great defensive mind. He’s coached defenses since 1995 and has bounced back from a rough 2021 with the Missouri Tigers. He also once served as head coach for the Arizona Cardinals, so there’s familiarity for Wilks in the NFC West. He will inherit an elite defense in San Francisco, led by All-Pros Nick Bosa and Fred Warner.
The NFL world reacted to the massive 49ers hire.
Great hire #RQQ
— Cory Mose (@Cory_Mose) February 7, 2023
Good for Wilks. Good for SF. 🤝
— Bobby Shouse (@B_Shousejr) February 7, 2023
I really like the hire. I plan on doing a video series on Wilks and his scheme now. https://t.co/tTnmyxiu3X
— JonnydelsFA (@jonnydels) February 7, 2023
49ers & Vikings reaping benefits of league-wide racism by getting Brian Flores and Steve Wilks as DC’s who should actually be head coaches. https://t.co/rsEuPDOCek
— #StopCopCity (@ChuckModi1) February 7, 2023
Steve Wilks has to be stoked at inheriting that #49ers defense.
Also, I imagine he agreed to retain most of the Niners' defensive assistants. https://t.co/CNPplnG8wS
— Peter Panacy (@PeterPanacy) February 7, 2023
Great hire for the @49ers. Incredible leader and man. SF getting an HC caliber coach to re-load that defensive talent. https://t.co/JRPqUWgors
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) February 7, 2023
Great news!
Nick Bosa’s continued dominance is in great hands! https://t.co/FhPqJQhjXE— John Chapman (@JL_Chapman) February 7, 2023
