On Tuesday, head coach Kyle Shanahan made a general comment regarding his coaching staff in response to a question concerning defensive coordinator Steve Wilks’ prior success and potential future employment with the San Francisco 49ers. He said,
“I haven’t talked to anybody yet,” “So yeah, I expect all our coaches to be back.”
Wilks is probably included in that, though Shanahan refrained from disclosing specifics regarding any one assistant coach.
The 49ers’ defense fared effectively for the majority of the game before giving up late in Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs, 25-22. During regulation, the Chiefs managed to score just one touchdown, which resulted from a mishandled punt deep within San Francisco territory.
Considering that Arik Armstead and Javon Hargrave were playing with injuries and Dre Greenlaw suffered a torn Achilles midgame, it was even more astounding.
However, the 49ers’ defense was unable to stop eventual Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes from doing enough—a couple times with his legs—to lead them to victory late in the regulation and overtime periods.
In light of Mahomes’ two crucial late conversions, Nick Bosa told reporters on Tuesday that he believed the 49ers “could’ve been more prepared” for him as a runner in the read-option game.
The question now becomes how similar the 49ers defense will be to this one next season.
