Nick Sorensen has been heavily criticized for the underwhelming performance of the San Francisco 49ers' defense this season. Some have speculated that the team's struggles might cost Sorensen his job, potentially prompting head coach Kyle Shanahan to search for a third defensive coordinator in as many years.
Despite the scrutiny, Sorensen views this challenging season as a valuable learning experience. On Friday, he was asked what lessons he has taken from his first year as a coordinator that might benefit him in the future, assuming he retains the role.
"A lot, would be the answer," Sorensen responded candidly. "It's not really one thing. I think you're always learning no matter what position you're in, but you think you know going into it, and you kind of prepare for it. But I think you have to really be able to roll with the punches, and be as flexible as possible, and continue learning."
Sorensen joined the 49ers in 2022 after stints with the Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars. He started as a defensive assistant before transitioning to defensive pass game specialist and nickels coach in 2023. He was promoted to defensive coordinator after Steve Wilks, who had replaced DeMeco Ryans, was fired.
"I think that's the most important thing that I've learned, that I've got to keep learning and keep growing, and being on top of situations," Sorensen shared. "Always picturing personnel stuff because we've had so much of it this year. So it kind of happened a few times early in the year, and it really helped me moving forward."
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has voiced confidence in Nick Sorensen despite the defense's struggles this season. However, it's worth noting that Shanahan offered similar support for Wilks before his departure last year.
"Yeah, I'm very satisfied with Nick," Shanahan recently said. "I'm not at all satisfied with the results and how it's going right now. But, some of the mistakes that we've made, what's happened here in these last two weeks, I don't think that's a schematic issue. It's a little bit more of a fundamental issue. And that also starts with me."
The 49ers have dealt with a slew of injuries on both sides of the ball. Sorensen's defense was hit hard, losing starting defensive tackle Javon Hargrave early in the season. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw briefly returned before being sidelined again, while defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos and safety Talanoa Hufanga missed significant time before their returns.
"I think that's where the special teams side helped, too, is you always have to kind of be looking at who can go where," Sorensen explained. "And I think we just kept pushing, guys getting reps in different positions more, because it happened a lot, whether it was during the week having injuries or in-game having injuries. And you only have a certain amount of guys up. And I think that was a good growing process for us this year."
Sorensen praised the versatility of the 49ers' players, who are often asked to step into multiple roles. However, this season has pushed that versatility to its limits.
While Sorensen's future with the 49ers remains uncertain, the coach remains focused on improving the defense. He hopes his efforts and growth this season will ensure he remains part of the team's plans.