According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the San Francisco 49ers requested permission to speak with Carolina Panthers interim head coach Steve Wilks. The 49ers expect to lose defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans, likely to the Houston Texans. Ryans completed his second interview with the Texans on Tuesday morning.
The #49ers requested permission to speak to Steve Wilks for their defensive coordinator position, source says. He's still under contract with the #Panthers.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 31, 2023
Wilks, in his second stint with the Panthers, was the team's defensive pass game coordinator and secondary coach before the firing of head coach Matt Rhule. He has NFL defensive coordinator experience, serving in the role with the Cleveland Browns (2019) after his one-year head coaching stint with the Arizona Cardinals (2018).
Wilks entered the NFL coaching ranks as a defensive backs coach with the Chicago Bears in 2006. He later served in the same role with the Chargers (2009-11) and Panthers (2012-14) before becoming Carolina's assistant head coach (2015-17).
Josina Anderson notes that Wilks might not be the only coach on the 49ers' radar. The team is "in discussions" to interview Washington Commanders defensive backs coach Chris Harris and former Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio for their defensive coordinator role.
Just missed this text & checked my phone:
I'm told the #49ers are planning not only to talk to Steve Wilks (as @MikeGarafolo reported), but also in discussions to interview #Commanders defensive backs coach Chris Harris & of course Vic Fangio, per league source.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 31, 2023