Why the 49ers Might Hire Dave Merritt as Their Defensive Coordinator

This is intriguing.

On Wednesday, the 49ers interviewed Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt for their vacant defensive coordinator job, according to The NFL Network. Merritt is 52 and never has been a defensive coordinator or called plays, but he has coached for Steve Spaguolo for quite a long time, both on the Chiefs and on the Giants. Which means he just beat the 49ers in the Super Bowl for the second time.

Spaguolo has been so successful against the 49ers offense the past few years, it's possible Kyle Shanahan wants to incorporate some of their principles into their defense as it evolves. In addition, Merritt coached and developed 49ers pro bowl cornerback Charvarius Ward when Ward was in Kansas City, so the 49ers can ask him directly what he thinks of Merritt. It's possible Ward will give him his highest recommendation.

Still, it seems a bit unlikely the 49ers would hire a career position coach in his 50s to be their defensive coordinator. In the past, they had success promoting young position in their 30s, coaches such as Robert Saleh and DeMeco Ryans.

It's possible the 49ers interviewed Merritt mostly to pick his brain about the Chiefs defense and learn how they attack the 49ers offense and how they generated nine unblocked pass rushers in the Super Bowl. Even if the 49ers don't hire him, they should be much better prepared the next time they face the Chiefs. Remember, these two teams will play each other this year during the regular season and perhaps again in the Super Bowl.

Smart move.