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Reports: 49ers to tab Steve Wilks as defensive coordinator

The San Francisco 49ers plan to hire Steve Wilks as their defensive coordinator, NFL Network reported Tuesday.

Wilks will replace DeMeco Ryans, who accepted the head coaching position with the Houston Texans last week.

Wilks, 53, began this past season as the Carolina Panthers' passing game coordinator and secondary coach. He assumed interim head coaching responsibilities after Matt Rhule was fired on Oct. 10 after a 1-4 start. Wilks guided the team to a 6-6 record.

Wilks interviewed for the Panthers' head coaching position following the season. That job went to Frank Reich, however.

Wilks will take over a 49ers defense that allowed the fewest points (16.