The New York Jets have fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks after a heavy loss to the Jaguars, with Chris Harris stepping in as interim defensive coordinator for the final three games of the season, as the team struggles defensively.
Jets' defensive coordinator Steve Wilks dismisses Baker Mayfield's claim that he was personally involved in his release from the Panthers, emphasizing that interim coaches like himself do not have personnel authority. Mayfield, now with Tampa Bay, had a brief stint with Carolina in 2022, and Wilks praises his talent. The Jets are struggling defensively early in the season, focusing on finishing games better, as they prepare for their next match against the Dolphins.
Baker Mayfield enjoyed a petty moment after leading the Buccaneers to a last-minute victory over the Jets, referencing his past conflict with Jets defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, who previously cut him from the Panthers, highlighting Mayfield's emotional and raw personality.
Julius Peppers, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and former UNC player, has expressed his support for Steve Wilks as the new head coach for UNC Football. Wilks, who has a history with the Cardinals and Panthers, and recently served as the 49ers' defensive coordinator, is a candidate for the position. Despite speculation about Bill Belichick, Peppers emphasizes that decision-makers are aware of the preferred choice, which is Wilks.
The firing of defensive coordinator Steve Wilks by San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has raised concerns about the treatment of Black coaches in the NFL. Wilks, who has faced challenges throughout his coaching career, was let go after just one season despite his contributions to the team's success. This move has sparked discussions about the unequal opportunities and higher standards faced by Black coaches in the league, as well as the potential underlying factors behind Wilks' dismissal.
The San Francisco 49ers fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks after a season marked by a disconnect with head coach Kyle Shanahan and a decline in defensive performance. Despite a strong Super Bowl showing, the team's defense regressed in 2023, leading to a clear disconnect between Wilks and his players. The decision reflects Shanahan's need to find the right fit for the team's defensive scheme and signals a fresh start for the 49ers in the upcoming season.
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith criticized 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan for firing defensive coordinator Steve Wilks after just one season, expressing disgust and sympathy for Wilks. Smith argued that despite the defense's struggles, they performed well in the Super Bowl and Shanahan should take responsibility for the team's shortcomings, pointing to his three blown Super Bowl leads. Shanahan defended the decision, citing the team's direction and scheme, as the 49ers now search for their fifth defensive coordinator in six seasons.
After being dismissed as the San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator, Steve Wilks could potentially join the Pittsburgh Steelers as a Senior Defensive Assistant/Secondary Coach, given his history with Steelers HC Mike Tomlin. Wilks has a preference for zone coverage and has extensive coaching experience, particularly with defensive backs. His potential addition could help develop young talent like cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and improve the Steelers' struggling defense, which will face tough challenges in the upcoming season.
Steve Wilks, the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, was fired despite helping the team reach the Super Bowl and hold the Chiefs to 19 points in overtime. Speculation suggests that head coach Kyle Shanahan, known for his offensive expertise, may have wanted to relieve himself of defensive responsibilities by hiring a Seattle/Cover Three expert to handle the defense, potentially leading to Wilks' dismissal.
The San Francisco 49ers are in search of a new defensive coordinator after firing Steve Wilks, with head coach Kyle Shanahan considering both internal and external candidates. Potential replacements include familiar names like Bill Belichick, Pete Carroll, and Mike Vrabel, as well as current 49ers assistants such as Johnny Holland and Nick Sorensen. The team is seeking a coordinator who can align with their defensive philosophy and provide continuity within the coaching staff.
The firing of Steve Wilks as the 49ers' defensive coordinator is seen as a mix of scapegoating and a logical conclusion to a failed experiment. Wilks, who struggled to connect with the team's defensive players, was let go after the team's playoff struggles. The 49ers are now seeking a replacement who fits their defensive culture and can provide the energy and leadership the team needs.
The San Francisco 49ers, coming off a heartbreaking loss in the Super Bowl, have fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks in a surprising move just three days after the game. Despite a strong regular season defensive performance, the team struggled in the playoffs, prompting head coach Kyle Shanahan to make the change. The 49ers, who have reached four of the past five NFC championship games, remain determined to secure their first Super Bowl victory in three decades and are looking to retool for the upcoming season.
The San Francisco 49ers have fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks following their Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, citing ongoing issues throughout the season including porous run defense, abysmal effort in the NFC Championship, and a disconnect between the pass rush and coverage. Despite the team's overall defensive success, the decision reflects dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the defense's performance. Wilks' firing comes after a series of short-lived coaching stints in the NFL, adding to a challenging career trajectory for the experienced coach.
The San Francisco 49ers have dismissed defensive coordinator Steve Wilks just days after their Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Head coach Kyle Shanahan cited the need for a change in defensive philosophy and a desire to find a coordinator who can better integrate the team's defensive front with the secondary. Despite Wilks' qualities as a coach and a man, Shanahan felt that a different direction was necessary for the team's future success.
The San Francisco 49ers have parted ways with defensive coordinator Steve Wilks after a season of defensive regression, with coach Kyle Shanahan citing a lack of fit. Despite initially praising the defense's performance, Shanahan was dissatisfied with the team's decline under Wilks, particularly in run defense. Shanahan's ambitious attempt to integrate Wilks' coaching expertise ultimately proved clumsy, leading to the decision to part ways.