According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Media, Chiefs defensive backs coach David Merritt is being considered to take over Kyle Shanahan's defense for the San Francisco 49ers in 2024. Merritt, who has been with the Chiefs since 2019, is one of the potential candidates along with former Chargers head coach Brandon Staley, 49ers defensive passing game specialist Nick Sorenson, and 49ers defensive backs coach Daniel Bullocks for the vacant position left after Steve Wilks was fired following the 49ers' overtime loss to the Chiefs in Las Vegas. Merritt boasts an impressive coaching career with a lengthy stint under Tom Coughlin's staff at the Giants and has accumulated five Super Bowl rings throughout his time with both teams.