Many anticipated that the San Francisco 49ers would have a new defensive coordinator in place this week as the team delves into studying draft prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. That didn't happen, and head coach Kyle Shanahan continues to seek a replacement for Steve Wilks, who was dismissed after the 49ers' Super Bowl 58 defeat.
Shanahan recently confirmed two interviews—one with former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley and the other with 49ers defensive passing game specialist Nick Sorensen. Additional interviews are scheduled for this week.
The continued search means that Shanahan and his coaching staff remained in Santa Clara during the NFL Scouting Combine. However, that likely would have happened regardless of the coaching situation, as Shanahan has opted to stay home during the event for the past two years.
General manager John Lynch and his staff, including the 49ers' scouts, are in Indianapolis this week. When asked whether the uncertainty surrounding the defensive coordinator position might impact the pre-draft evaluation process, Lynch expressed confidence that it would not.
"I think we have a great idea of who we're going to be, and continue to be, and the things we believe in," Lynch explained. "So, is it important? Sure, and we're working toward that, Kyle is working toward that. And that will come in due time.
"We want to be true to the process, and learn a lot from it, identify some of the changes and tweaks we want to make while still staying kind of [true] to our core."
The 49ers anticipate holding 11 selections in the upcoming draft once the NFL allocates compensatory picks. That's significant resources at their disposal as the team aims to replenish a roster coming off a Super Bowl appearance.
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