The San Francisco 49ers have struck gold at defensive coordinator under Kyle Shanahan. Robert Saleh found his footing once the team began to amass talent, and was swiftly rewarded with a head coaching job.
DeMeco Ryans was arguably better, and the Houston Texans came in and swooped Ryans, and now they’re in a playoff race.
In 2023, the 49ers needed a defensive coordinator, but didn’t want to make any other changes. So they hired Steve Wilks, who had to learn the Niners scheme, and not the other way around.
The 49ers are fourth in defensive DVOA, but the players have been adamant that Wilks has preached turnovers all season.