Changing DeMeco Ryans may be the toughest, most essential factor the 49ers will do that offseason. Their defensive coordinator for the final two years took a job because the Houston Texans’ head coach, leaving a gaping gap atop San Francisco’s No. 1-ranked protection.
Whereas the 49ers’ defensive group could be very gifted, Ryans’ schematic brilliance and his management made him a quick riser within the NFL teaching ranks. Additionally they made him maybe the NFL’s finest defensive coordinator in his first 12 months on the job.
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It’s very seemingly the 49ers’ protection would be the tip of the workforce’s spear once more in 2023, so discovering an excellent defensive coordinator will likely be paramount to their continued success. They’ve already requested a pair interviews, however a handful of different at the least semi-intriguing names linger:
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The 49ers are requesting an interview with the veteran coach, who oversaw the Panthers’ late-season playoff push as their interim head coach. He’s been within the NFL since 2006, and is one in every of only a few individuals out there who may be capable to substitute Ryans as a pacesetter of a really gifted San Francisco protection.
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There are conflicting reviews about Fangio’s availability, however the former 49ers’ DC would make a whole lot of sense if Shanahan needs to go a extra skilled route. The massive query right here is whether or not the 49ers can be keen to vary their scheme to the 3-4 Fangio sometimes deploys.
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Harris is one other particular person the 49ers have requested an interview with. He falls into the mildew of a Robert Saleh or Ryans in that he’s but to have any expertise as a coordinator. It’s labored out twice to date for the 49ers, so it will make sense in the event that they attempt to go that route once more.
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Evero may very nicely land a head teaching job on this cycle. If he doesn’t although, he’s arguably the highest out there defensive coordinator after serving to assemble an excellent Broncos protection in his first 12 months as a coordinator in 2022. Denver completed No. 14 in factors and No. 7 in yards.
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There’s no actual indication that the 49ers are excited about making Kocurek their DC, neither is there any indication he’s excited about a promotion. He’s been sensational as San Francisco’s line of defense coach although, and his skill to steer may make him an excellent candidate for the lead job.
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It doesn’t seem the 49ers are wanting in-house for a DC, however Undlin has expertise. The issue is his expertise was fairly disastrous. Undlin has been the 49ers’ defensive move recreation specialist since 2021, and he grew to become their secondary coach in 2022. Whereas that’s gone okay, his one stint as a defensive coordinator got here with the Lions in 2020 the place they ranked final in factors and yards. It’s arduous to think about he’d be greater than a last-resort possibility.