While the Los Angeles Chargers are the only team that has officially requested permission to interview San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, head coach Kyle Shanahan mentioned that there is broader interest.
"I've been getting a lot of phone calls and stuff, so I know there's a lot more people interested, but you got to go through the process of formally requesting an interview, and I've only got that from the Chargers so far," Shanahan stated Tuesday via a conference call.
Shanahan confirmed that the Chargers will interview with Wilks this week. While he anticipates a virtual interview, the head coach wasn't certain about the details. He knows that this week is the best time for such a distraction.
"It just works out so well when you do have the bye week," Shanahan noted. "So now, it's a great week for him, and I think this is the only week they're allowed to talk. I'm not exactly sure of the rules anymore, but I think this is the only week they're allowed to talk. And when it comes to the teams that have the bye week, that was the only time that I talked, when I was on the bye week. So it really works out and makes it easy for both situations."
If Wilks were to leave, Shanahan would face the task of finding a new defensive coordinator for the fourth consecutive year. The 49ers previously lost defensive coordinator Robert Saleh in 2021 (Jets), offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel in 2022 (Dolphins), and defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans in 2023 (Texans).
Wilks took over from Ryans, and his defense concluded the regular season ranked eighth in yards allowed, third in points allowed, third in rushing yards allowed, and 14th in passing yards allowed.
More must-reads: