The San Francisco 49ers have made another major move on their coaching staff. The Athletic’s Matt Barrows on Tuesday reported the 49ers fired defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen after one season. It’s the second time in as many offseasons San Francisco has parted ways with a defensive coordinator.
Head Coach Kyle Shanahan's Confidence in Sorensen
Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed confidence in Sorensen and the 49ers’ defense multiple times during the season despite the team’s struggles on that side of the ball. Shanahan mentioned that he believes Sorensen has done a good job as a coach and will continue to improve going forward.
Communication Issues and Schematic Errors
While injuries and player absences had an impact, there were regular communication issues and schematic errors in the 49ers' defense. Ultimately, Shanahan decided the team needed to find a new defensive coordinator due to these ongoing problems.
Sorensen addressed the communication problems in what would be his final press conference leading up to Week 18. He highlighted the importance of pre-snap communication and the need for improvement in that area to prevent critical mistakes.
Defensive Performance Under Sorensen
In his first year as a defensive coordinator, Sorensen's defense finished 29th in points allowed, largely due to struggles in the final weeks of the season. While they ranked eighth in yards allowed, the defense had difficulty generating takeaways, finishing 20th in that category.
Search for a New Defensive Coordinator
This marks the second consecutive offseason that the 49ers will need to search for a new defensive coordinator. Former 49ers DC Robert Saleh and former Bengals DC Lou Anarumo are notable candidates available in the market. The team will be looking to hire an experienced coach with a strong track record to lead their defense.
San Francisco 49ers, Defensive Coordinator, Nick Sorensen, Kyle Shanahan, Robert Saleh, Lou Anarumo
