The 49ers have made some big changes to their coaching staff this offseason. Here are the pros of what they've done so far.
1. The defensive coordinator actually knows the system.
Unlike Steve Wilks, who was set up to fail when the 49ers hired him last year and asked him to run a scheme he didn't know. Sorensen knows the 49ers' defensive scheme -- he was on DeMeco Ryans' staff when Ryans was the defensive coordinator. This will be Sorensen's third season with the 49ers, so he won't be learning and coaching at the same time.
2. Sorensen can lean on Brandon Staley for reality testing.
Sorensen has never called plays or created entire game plans before -- he's a novice. So some of his ideas might be brilliant, while others might not hold water. And that's where Staley comes in. Staley has more experience game planning and calling plays than Sorensen and can make sure the rookie defensive coordinator colors within the lines. Staley doesn't know the 49ers' scheme, but he does know the rest of the league and his knowledge can help Sorensen.
3. The players know Sorensen and most likely gave him their blessing.
I'm guessing Kyle Shanahan went to the leaders of the defense -- Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, etc. -- and told them he was thinking about promoting Sorensen and asked them what they thought. Which means the players most likely are bought into Sorensen in a way they never bought into Wilks. Which means Sorensen already has a leg up.
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