In a surprising move, the San Francisco 49ers have decided to part ways with their defensive coordinator, Steve Wilks. Just two days after their Super Bowl LVIII overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, head coach Kyle Shanahan had initially expressed his expectation that all coaches would be returning for the 2024 season. However, a change of plans led to the decision to let go of Wilks.

Wilks, who joined the 49ers coaching staff from the Carolina Panthers, served as their defensive passing game coordinator and secondary coach before taking on the role of interim head coach. During his one season with the 49ers, the team's defense ranked eighth in the NFL in terms of total yards allowed per game, giving up an average of 303.9 yards. Additionally, they boasted the third-best scoring defense, allowing just 17.5 points per game.

However, their postseason performance raised concerns as San Francisco allowed the most rushing yards per game (159.0) by a team entering the Super Bowl since the 1966 Green Bay Packers. In their Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs, they allowed 130 rushing yards, including 66 yards to quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The pivotal moment came in overtime when the 49ers defense gave up a 13-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to Mahomes, ultimately resulting in their defeat. Although the defense managed to intercept Mahomes for the first time since Christmas, they surrendered a total of 455 yards in that game.

Wilks, who has an extensive coaching background with nearly three decades of experience, including a year as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in 2018, is now on the lookout for his next opportunity in the NFL.

As for the 49ers, their search for a new defensive coordinator will undoubtedly be a top priority in the coming weeks as they aim to bolster their defensive unit and seek redemption after falling short in the Super Bowl once again.

It remains to be seen who will fill the void left by Wilks, but the San Francisco 49ers will undoubtedly be looking for a candidate who can improve their postseason run defense and guide the team towards a successful 2024 campaign.