REPORT: San Francisco 49ers Have Surprising Candidate Lined Up To Take Defensive Coordinator Job

San Francisco 49ers’ head coach Kyle Shanahan speaks with his players during Super Bowl LVIII between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, February 11, 2024. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
The San Francisco 49ers are rumored to have a surprising candidate under consideration for their defensive coordinator vacancy.

The NFC champions have fired Steve Wilks in the wake of their Super Bowl disappointment and are now looking to find his replacement.

According to ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio, multiple sources have named former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley as a potential hire for the Niners, though there’s been no news on him getting an interview with the team.

Staley had an interview with the Los Angeles Rams for their open position but they appointed internal candidate Chris Shula instead. He is also reported to have met with the Miami Dolphins and Green Bay Packers.

While he had difficulty as a head coach, the Niners are likely banking on his success as a coordinator. Staley had a stint as a DC with the Rams in 2020, during which they ranked first in the NFL in total defense and allowed points per game.

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