Just one year after parting ways with defensive coordinator Steve Wilks following a Super Bowl appearance, the San Francisco 49ers are set to dismiss Wilks' successor, Nick Sorensen, from his role as defensive coordinator. The move comes on the heels of a disappointing six-win 2024 season.
According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, the 49ers plan to remove Sorensen from his current post. However, Maiocco notes that the organization hopes to retain Sorensen in a different capacity within head coach Kyle Shanahan's staff.
Nick Sorensen will not return as 49ers defensive coordinator, a league source said. The hope is that the 49ers can retain him on Kyle Shanahan's staff. There are a few attractive options for the 49ers to now consider for the D.C. role.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) January 8, 2025
The decision follows reports that the 49ers are also parting ways with special teams coordinator Brian Schneider, leaving two major vacancies within the coaching staff.
Sorensen joined the 49ers in 2022 as a defensive assistant before being promoted to defensive pass game specialist and nickels coach in 2023. He took over as defensive coordinator last season but struggled to guide the defense to consistent success.
"I think the easy thing right now is everybody's going to put the blame on him for how the defense has played," linebacker Fred Warner said on Sunday. "When you're the guy at the helm, that's what happens. You're going to take the brunt of that."
The decision to part ways with Sorensen comes on the heels of the team's fourth straight loss, capped off by a 47-24 defeat to the Arizona Cardinals. It marked the second consecutive game in which the 49ers allowed 40 or more points to their opponent.
"I think Nick's done a great job all season," Warner said. "As players, when we're out there, we have to execute and play the game. We didn't do him any favors."
When asked to share his thoughts on Sorensen's future, defensive end Nick Bosa said, "I think he's a good coach, but it's not my decision."
Sorensen, 46, has been coaching in the NFL since 2013 after a playing career as a safety.