San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans has departed the team to become the head coach of the Houston Texans. That means the search is on for a new defensive coordinator, the second such search since 2021.
The 49ers have been linked to several coaches already. Below is a tracker for the team's search for a replacement for Ryans.
Steve Wilks (HIRED)
2022: Panthers interim head coach
The 49ers will interview Wilks for the job. He has experience as a defensive coordinator, serving in the role with the Browns in 2019. Wilks was also the head coach of the Cardinals in 2018.
Update: Wilks interviewed with the 49ers on February 6, per Ian Rapoport.
Update 2: The 49ers hired Wilks to be their new defensive coordinator.
RELATED 49ers hiring Steve Wilks as defensive coordinator, per reports
No longer in the running
Chris Harris
2022: Commanders defensive backs coach
The 49ers requested to interview Harris, who played safety for eight seasons in the NFL. He started his coaching career as a defensive quality control coach with the Bears in 2013 before joining the Chargers as an assistant defensive backs coach in 2016. Harris has been with the Commanders since 2020.
Update: Harris interviewed with the 49ers on January 31, per Albert Breer.
Kris Kocurek
2022: 49ers defensive line coach
Josina Anderson reported that the 49ers are considering the possibility of promoting Kocurek to defensive coordinator. He has been the team's defensive line coach since 2019, previously serving the same role with the Lions and Dolphins.
Vic Fangio (Hired by the Dolphins)
2022: Eagles defensive consultant
The 49ers were expected to speak with their former defensive coordinator about possibly re-joining the team as part of head coach Kyle Shanahan's staff. Fangio served four years as the defensive coordinator of the Bears and three years as the head coach of the Broncos after his first stint with the 49ers.