After an extended search that has included multiple candidates, the San Francisco 49ers have reportedly made a decision on their next defensive coordinator.
According to Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the 49ers are planning to promote defensive passing game specialist Nick Sorensen as their new defensive coordinator. Along with promoting Sorensen, the 49ers are also hiring former Chargers head coach Brandon Staley to a “prominent staff role,” per Shefter and Fowler. Staley initially interviewed for the 49ers opening at defensive coordinator.
Via @AdamSchefter on Twitter:
Two big hires in San Francisco: the 49ers plan to hire their defensive passing game specialist Nick Sorensen as their new defensive coordinator, and former Chargers HC Brandon Staley for a prominent staff role, possibly assistant head coach, sources tell me and @JFowlerESPN. pic.twitter.com/hbV4ykACkI
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 2, 2024
Sorensen joined Kyle Shanahan’s coaching staff in 2022 as the defensive passing game and nickles coach. Prior to joining the 49ers, Sorensen served as the Jacksonville Jaguars special teams coordinator in 2021. Along with Jacksonville, Sorensen has also served as an assistant coach of the Seattle Seahawks for eight seasons, winning a Super Bowl as a special teams coach in 2013. Sorensen also coached Seattle’s secondary from 2017 to 2020.
Prior to coaching, Sorensen played safety in the NFL from 2001 to 2010. Sorensen played for the St. Louis Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns. Sorensen played college football for the Virginia Tech Hokies. Before moving to defense, Sorensen played quarterback for the Hokies. Future No. 1 overall pick Michael Vick took over for Sorensen at quarterback at Virginia Tech.
After DeMeco Ryans left the 49ers to join the Houston Texans as head coach, the 49ers hired outside the organization for defensive coordinator with the addition of Steve Wilks. Following one season of Wilks as defensive coordinator, the 49ers keep it internal for their next defensive coordinator.
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