Why Shanahan believes Sorensen was correct choice for 49ers’ DC role

ORLANDO, Fla. — When 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan decided to fire defensive coordinator Steve Wilks two days after the team's Super Bowl loss, he already knew who was going to replace him. Nick Sorensen was the guy. And Shanahan did not need the formality of an interview to be convinced. Sorensen joined the 49ers' coaching staff in 2022 in the nebulous title of defensive assistant. Last year, Sorensen was promoted to defensive passing game/nickels coach. He also spoke to the team every Thursday with an emphasis on excelling in the takeaway/giveaway column. When asked what he heard from Sorensen that he liked, Shanahan said it was the culmination of being around him the past two seasons. "I've been with him the last two years, mainly," Shanahan said. "When you're with somebody, it's not really an interview that changes it, it's being with somebody in the building every day. "I thought he was close last year to being ready, and I think he's even more ready now."Sorensen, 45, will assume standard defensive coordinator responsibilities of being in charge of organizing the game plan and calling the defense during games. Former Los Angeles Chargers coach Brandon Staley will provide...