New 49ers DC Steve Wilks looks to build on defense’s past successes
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks watches as players take part in an NFL football rookie minicamp session in Santa Clara, Calif., Friday, May 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jeff Chiu]
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — When San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan was looking for a coordinator to take over the NFL’s stingiest defense after DeMeco Ryans left for a promotion in Houston, he wanted a coach who would keep the Niners’ successful system in place. When Steve Wilks was looking for another defensive coordinator job after being passed over for head coach in Carolina, he wanted to find a winning organization that had collaboration between the coaching staff and front office. Wilks and the 49ers believe they are the perfect fit for each other.
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San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks speaks to reporters before the NFL football team's rookie minicamp in Santa Clara, Calif., Friday, May 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jeff Chiu
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks speaks to reporters before the NFL football team's rookie minicamp in Santa Clara, Calif., Friday, May 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jeff Chiu