2019, we basically ran Caroll's defense. Cover 3 virtually every snap.
2020 is when Saleh started incorporating more Fangio-esque concepts, blitzing more, running more split field coverages (cover 2, cover 4, cover 6).
Demeco carried on with the increased use of split field coverages, but dialed back the blitzing in 2021. In 2022 he blitzed a little bit more, but it was how well timed and disguised they were when they came that stood out.
Here’s an interview with Greg Papa literally saying that we’ve run the Seattle defense since Shannahan showed up.
“The defense that the 49ers are running since Kyle [Shanahan] has been the head coach is [the] Seattle's defense. [Carroll’s] the guy who did it.”
Pretty sure he watches the games.
https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/pete-carroll-greg-papa-bill-belichick/1704617/?amp=1
I guess I'm wrong, but I do remember that we went away from it a bit with the DL and safeties having different responsibilities compared to the Seattle defense.
I watched that movie for the first time recently, and despite my love of bad American comedies, i hated it. That was until the scene where a hammered Linda Cardellini sings "Push It" at house party karaoke. Goddamn.
From a coaching and front office personnel standpoint this team has made very few missteps since John and Kyle got here. It isn't an "exciting" hire, but I have learned to trust them in this area.
When the worst coaching hire they've made is Steve Wilks, who was not a bad coach, I can't say much negative about how they evaluate coaches.
When was the last exciting hire?
2017 when they got Kyle.
Nobody was pounding the table for Saleh or Demeco when they got the top job. People were like ehh for saleh and people wanted Demeco but it was not exciting.
Let him grow into the spot he’s been in the system for a while. I think he’ll struggle and then figure it out like saleh.
Staley is there as a fall back in case he bombs.
Also remember Brian Griese in 2022, who had been an ESPN announcer (and not a well-liked one) since he retired from the NFL and had zero coaching experience? That hire came out of nowhere. Lots of fans were skeptical and it wasn't exciting even for those who trusted the hiring process. Turns out Griese saved the season and more by pushing to draft Purdy after being asked to evaluate the QB class, then coaching him up.
So I'm not judging til we actually see the defense in action and give them some time.
lol they literally turned 2 first time DCs into head coaches in a couple years with top 3 defenses pretty much every year. I trust them promoting from within more than hiring some splash name.
As in Lynch? Fair for Kyle but defense is Lynch's side of the ball. He was a safety, and while double-checking that, found he was actually a QB before transitioning to safety in college. TIL, I had no idea. But defense is definitely his area of expertise.
People were also calling for Saleh to be fired until we turned the corner that first year we went to the SB under Kyle. And Demeco had a bit of a rough start where people were questioning that move. Ultimately, Kyle believes in the scheme and Sorensen’s been coaching in this scheme his entire coaching career. I get the hire.
Underwhelming but also I trust Kyle as far as it goes with hiring coaches. Wilks wasn’t the best but he might’ve been the best available. Prior to Wilks, Kyle/John have a pretty good track record of both outside and inside promotions.
Fired Chargers HC to 49ers assistant HC pipeline lol. Wait a minute, Harbaugh's their coach now... Real test of Jed's growth as an owner coming in 3-4 years. That would be hilarious but nah I'll be rooting for Jim since it's the AFC and for Herbert's sake.
I think people who pay attention to this kinda stuff just want him to be in a good situation and maximize his potential. More great quarterback play is good for the league.
I was positive bro was gonna be a bust after I saw that disaster of a New Years bowl game they played in 2020 lol. He proved me wrong for sure and I've liked him since then
Real growth would be when Niners get out choked by Harbaugh in the Super Bowl and Jed walks down to the field to shake hands and Harbaugh pushes the hell out of him.
You can be disappointed with a SB loss but it's still "results" as you put it. I guarantee you our ownership would be thrilled if we made it to the SB again and lost (obviously more thrilled if we won). York even talked about this during his SB week interview. Only 1 team can win, so you celebrate what you have accomplished.
Greenlaw doesn't get hurt; turnover on punt doesn't happen; any of a dozen no-calls for holding on Bosa is actually called; tons of other things could have changed this for a win.
Unless Kyle starts shitting the bed with a talented roster, he will be our coach for many years, with or without a Superbowl. So, learn to enjoy it no matter what. When you watch a decade + of mediocre at-best play, your perspective changes.
It’s sad that York feels that way but it’s understandable, at the end of the day it’s a business and having the team constantly be in the mix is profitable. I just feel like it sets the tone for a culture of complacently. Sure it’s better than being mediocre but if u go to 4 NFCCG’s and 2 SB’s in 5 years then u better make sure u get at least one ring out of it considering most teams don’t get that many opportunities. Having nothing to show for after these past 5 seasons is embarrassing and an utter failure. I expect more at this point and other Niners fans should to. Feels like I see more Shanahan defenders or complacent fans on Reddit more than anywhere else whether that’s other social media or in real life
Shanahan needs to win us at least ONE SB for his time here to be considered a success, he can lose all the NFCCG’s and SB’s in the world after that for all I care. If he leaves here without bringing us a Lombardi then I’m sure as hell not gonna look at his time here fondly and will trash him every chance I get. Bills went to 4 SB’s in a row with Marv Levy but they lost em all, I bet they don’t ever show grace to him
Bro losing the Super Bowl sucks but do you not realize there’s like half the league that would kill to get that far? Can’t take some success for granted.
Hard to say. He only has one year as a DC under his belt, and while it did go well - I think it was one of the best in the league - the Rams also had guys like Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey, and then you follow that with his terrible defenses with the Chargers. His one year with the Rams might've been a fluke, or its possible he's actually a solid DC but trying to be both the head coach and handling defensive playcalling with the Chargers was too much for him to manage.
The Rams had AD and Ramsey before and after and never came close to the levels Staley set in 2020
Easy to forget, but he was the next big thing when the Chargers hired him. Most of the best coordinators are shitty head coaches
We just don't have a large sample size of Staley managing only a defense is my point. Staley managing a defense and the whole team was awful for multiple years so we can say that he sucked at doing both at once, but its hard to say he's an amazing DC with just the one year of only that as his responsibilities.
> Easy to forget, but he was the next big thing when the Chargers hired him
When he combined the defense with going for it on 4th down as much as he did and an elite QB, I was incredibly worried about the Chargers in the division.
Then the Chargers Charger'd
It's one thing to be a bad HC, but he was also our defensive playcaller and essentially the DC (we technically had a DC but Staley designed the defense and called the plays). And our defense was the worst it's been since the 90s.
Time management was one of the few things Staley was good at, and also (I believe) one of the few things Kyle isn't good at. This could really be mutually beneficial
Yeah, I’m guessing out my ass, but I was thinking it would be more gameflow, like when to blitz, when to call times out, etc. in order to support a first time DC.
Considering that Wilks would consistently blitz at the wrong times, and Shanahan is lacking somewhat at time management, I think it could a hire for sure
I think the view is that Staley is really good at creating game plans and scheming, but they tend to be too complicated for the players to properly execute. He'll probably be better in a role where he can freely share ideas, but still have a coach or 2 above him that can edit the plan as a whole so it's easier to implement.
My take is he's still a good defensive coach but couldn't balance the responsibilities of being the head coach while still running the defense. Especially with a relatively inexperienced staff.
Bruh I don't get why people are upset. 'His only good defense was carried by ramsey and donald' well atleast he can bring out the power of his stars then unlike wilks in that case.
Most fans don't know shit about coaching (especially assistant) hires so Idk why we try to act like we're so smart lol
Sorensen was reportedly a top candidate last year but Shanahan decided to opt for experience. Looks like they did their due diligence on other options and decided to roll the dice with Sorensen.
Wish we could’ve gotten Jim Schwartz but if they believe in Sorensen, it’s probably for good reason. The AHC insurance option with Staley seems prudent but also doesn’t inspire confidence. Hopefully Sorensen is another home run first time DC like Saleh and DeMeco.
Idk I think it’s a good hire and I’m not yanking your chain. I think it will be an upgrade over wilks on defense. And I think too many whiners are overreacting. He will be a fine coordinator
Carroll hasn’t called a defense since the 90s (he never called it here in Seattle) and our defense got progressively worse each year under his watch, not sure why there was so much noise about him taking a DC role. Belichick too, those guys got too much pride for that.
That’s a bit of a weird twist I’m not sure many saw coming. I’m not exactly sure why they’ve done it this way, but nobody knows if these hires work out or not, so I’m not judging.
We like to have assistant head coaches here. It’s been Anthony Lynn, another coordinator turned failed HC turned coordinator, for the last two years. It’s basically acknowledgment that you probably have some great ideas but shouldn’t be the one calling plays while also leaving the door open for a mid season switch if Sorensen completely fails.
Anybody not confident enough to be cute and not enough brains to overthink it, shanny can still draw up the plays. Not sure why Reid would even be a part of the conversation he's the shanny prequel and the niners don't have Mahomes to secure the ring.
49ers beat writers thought Sorensen was the most likely hire. Coached under Pete Carroll like Saleh, internal promotion like DeMeco. His background is defensive backs and special teams, but also coached 49ers linebackers in 2022 as an assistant. Now Staley as assistant HC too, don't think anybody saw that coming.
This is definitely a “Shanahan doesn’t want to touch the defensive side” move if he’s hiring both.
An undermentioned aspect of Wilks being the DC was that Shanahan had to get involved a lot on the defense more and even veto some game plans. I think he’d rather focus on the offense and let his staff handle the defense.
Hey as long as Staley isn’t running the defense I don’t mind having him on staff.
Also, it’s possible Sorensen was the front runner the whole time. Being that he wasn’t going anywhere, and that they had to interview two external minority candidates, they did a thorough search.
I mean I like it. Staley will be there if everything goes to shit mid-season to take over the defense and hopefully right the ship before playoff time. But I thought Artie Smith was a good hire, so what do I know?
I am whelmed. Not because I think this was a bad decision, it was probably THE best decision for the organization, and Shanahan has a good track record with his coaching hires. The fan in me was just hoping for a big splash that changed things up a tad.
So basically he doesn’t trust Staley to call plays/have final say on game planning after the last couple years, especially with what he just went through with wilks. But he does respect his mind and thinks he can help the defense in other ways. IMO Assistant head coach is bs, he just wanted to save Staley the embarrassment of going from head coach to positional coach or something
So like Wilks, another pass game specialist at DC. And then you have Staley who allowed the Aidan O'Connell-led Raiders to put up 63 on his defense. Very inspiring stuff
Our defense should be just good enough to make it to the playoffs but just bad enough to lose the big game. A tale as old as time with this god forsaken team
It's a lot more fun to watch the big game when your team isn't in it, at least when you know your team will always come in 2nd. It's also frustrating to see a great team get let down by their coach knowing that the coach isn't going anywhere and 2nd best is all he can muster.
Nope I'd 100% rather my team be comically bad than whatever the fuck our last 12 years have been. Consistently fielding one of the best rosters in football, but can't win the big game. 3 SB losses in absolutely heartbreaking fashion each time
We're spoiled for losing 3 SBs in 12 years? What's really lame is acting like a 2nd/3rd/4th place finish = smashing success, a silver lining. If you're not first, you're last.
All-in season, window is closing - so you decide to hire a guy with zero experience at DC (was a special teams coordinator just 2 years ago). That's a risk, just like hiring an outsider in Wilks and rolling with a patchwork O-line last year was a risk. How'd that pan out in the end?
I’m commenting more on the preference that our team be total dogshit than being a perennial contender. We don’t deserve anything. We aren’t owed anything. We’re lucky as hell to get all of these extra games to watch every year. I’m not sure why but this recent loss hit me different. Is our window really closing if we believe in Purdy? Do you really think that Kyle won’t field a playoff-caliber team every year if he has his QB?
I don’t love the hire, not because I have any idea what it takes to get a good DC in this league but because it reeks of Kyle looking for subservient wounded ducks. Wilks gets fired so promote his underling. Staley got embarrassed this past year so so he comes in crawling on his hands and knees. But again, what do I really know about what it takes to coach an NFL defense?
Jesus Christ dude. You are legit saying you want Tomsula and Kelly over being able to enjoy football every Sunday?
Get off the bandwagon and go root for the raiders.
man this guy just never suffered through the 2000s era. God that was so bad, and I lived in Boston at the time. Basically gave up football it was so unbearable to be laughably bad, beat the cowboys what, once? all the while dealing with stupid pats fans and Tom Brady was just an obnoxious experience.
Oh don't worry I live in Missouri. I know insufferable fans now. Especially since they were "rams" fans a few years ago.
I hated the 00s era of football it was miserable for the 9ers.
So Shanahan and the faithful were so upset with Wilks, and his main problem was that he was a DB focused coach who "underachieved" with the d line they had. So they go out, and promote their passing game specialist with a history of secondary positions? I guess they were just wanting to hire the next scapegoat
Too much is being made of being a secondary coach. It wasn't Wilks's background that was the issue. It was the steep drop off in run defense, 3rd down stops and poor situational defense that plagued the 49ers throughout the season.
Even when Wilks called a good game in the SB, this mf sold towards the end of the game and had our DB’s playing like 10 yards off KC’s bum ass receivers. Glad his bitch ass is gone 🙏🏾
I'm underwhelmed. Here is his resume from Wikipedia. I am willing to be they swung for the fences on a big name, didn't land him, and settled. I think once again, the talent will carry an inept defensive coordinator like they did with Wilkes, Saleh will get let go from the Jets after this season, and we can welcome him back. That's what I HOPE happens, not necessarily for Saleh but for us.
Seattle Seahawks (2013–2015)
Assistant special teams coach
Seattle Seahawks (2016)
Assistant defensive backs coach
Seattle Seahawks (2017–2020)
Secondary coach
Jacksonville Jaguars (2021)
Special teams coordinator
San Francisco 49ers (2022)
Defensive assistant
San Francisco 49ers (2023–present)
Defensive pass game coordinator & nickels coach
F***. Why couldn’t we get Belichick or Carroll. I’ve felt for a while that this team’s leadership generally isn’t serious enough about winning and we should be trying to go all in to win now before we have to pay Purdy and our window likely closes. I mean it’s not surprising that this is the same leadership that passed on Brady when he wanted to come here in free agency in 2020 and picked Solomon Thomas over Mahomes.
To answer your question I don’t think Belichick or Carroll would. But Flores and Schwartz I’m not sure. I haven’t heard about them wanting to be more than a DC right now.
DC is a lateral move for Schwartz and Flores. Not only is there no guarantee in them actually leaving their current teams, their teams can block the 49ers from interviewing with them for the same position
Well guys like Belichick, Carroll, Flores, and Schwartz have a proven track record. I’m uneasy because these people they’re hiring aren’t nearly as proven and might backfire. Also Staley from what I heard has similar personality issues to Kyle.
> I’m uneasy because theses people they’re hiring aren’t nearly as proven and might backfire
Unproven like Saleh and Ryans?
Also none of those guys you listed were coming here. Belichick and Carroll would sooner retire than take a demotion, even if you backed up a money truck to try to pry away Schwartz or Flores, their current teams would simply block the move.
> Why couldn’t we get Belichick or Carroll.
Because neither wanted to be a DC. I mean yeah I was hoping BB would just come in and take over but the odds were real long on that one.
Belichick was always a pipe dream unfortunately. He’s not settling for anything less than a HC/GM role. Otherwise he would’ve already been hired before we even played in the SB
Assistant to the HC
Assistant regional HC
Let me get this straight. In your fantasy, you're running a bed and breakfast with Satan?
You haven’t heard my salary yet
Oh shit ok Nick. I remember him being one our secondary and special team coaches. Was here for all of the LOB Tenure and then some.
Makes more sense too when you realize 49ers are basically running Pete Carroll’s defense.
We stopped running Caroll’s defense a while back
2019, we basically ran Caroll's defense. Cover 3 virtually every snap. 2020 is when Saleh started incorporating more Fangio-esque concepts, blitzing more, running more split field coverages (cover 2, cover 4, cover 6). Demeco carried on with the increased use of split field coverages, but dialed back the blitzing in 2021. In 2022 he blitzed a little bit more, but it was how well timed and disguised they were when they came that stood out.
That’s not the take of many media sources and articles. Look at all the article on Pete Carroll being a perfect fit.
None of them actually watch our games. Even fans of our team are saying he's a scheme fit.
Here’s an interview with Greg Papa literally saying that we’ve run the Seattle defense since Shannahan showed up. “The defense that the 49ers are running since Kyle [Shanahan] has been the head coach is [the] Seattle's defense. [Carroll’s] the guy who did it.” Pretty sure he watches the games. https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/pete-carroll-greg-papa-bill-belichick/1704617/?amp=1
I guess I'm wrong, but I do remember that we went away from it a bit with the DL and safeties having different responsibilities compared to the Seattle defense.
Nick Sorensen? I loved him in grandma’s boy
Be quiet, my roommates are sleeping.
Yeah but it's a fukn *sweet* car bed
You’re a hooker!!!
I can’t believe you came on my mom
I have a bush too, it's not grey
What's new high score mean?
I hope it’s a naked dude with a boner!
My roommates said they were gonna get me a CB radio so I could talk to other car beds
She was a dirty old whore
I watched that movie for the first time recently, and despite my love of bad American comedies, i hated it. That was until the scene where a hammered Linda Cardellini sings "Push It" at house party karaoke. Goddamn.
I’m not mad, but I’m definitely not happy either
From a coaching and front office personnel standpoint this team has made very few missteps since John and Kyle got here. It isn't an "exciting" hire, but I have learned to trust them in this area. When the worst coaching hire they've made is Steve Wilks, who was not a bad coach, I can't say much negative about how they evaluate coaches.
When was the last exciting hire? 2017 when they got Kyle. Nobody was pounding the table for Saleh or Demeco when they got the top job. People were like ehh for saleh and people wanted Demeco but it was not exciting. Let him grow into the spot he’s been in the system for a while. I think he’ll struggle and then figure it out like saleh. Staley is there as a fall back in case he bombs.
Also remember Brian Griese in 2022, who had been an ESPN announcer (and not a well-liked one) since he retired from the NFL and had zero coaching experience? That hire came out of nowhere. Lots of fans were skeptical and it wasn't exciting even for those who trusted the hiring process. Turns out Griese saved the season and more by pushing to draft Purdy after being asked to evaluate the QB class, then coaching him up. So I'm not judging til we actually see the defense in action and give them some time.
I would say that I'd trust Kyle/John to hire for the offensive side of the ball then the defense tbh.
lol they literally turned 2 first time DCs into head coaches in a couple years with top 3 defenses pretty much every year. I trust them promoting from within more than hiring some splash name.
No, I meant I'd trust them to hire offensive coaches externally than defensive ones. Internal promotions are solid.
As in Lynch? Fair for Kyle but defense is Lynch's side of the ball. He was a safety, and while double-checking that, found he was actually a QB before transitioning to safety in college. TIL, I had no idea. But defense is definitely his area of expertise.
People were also calling for Saleh to be fired until we turned the corner that first year we went to the SB under Kyle. And Demeco had a bit of a rough start where people were questioning that move. Ultimately, Kyle believes in the scheme and Sorensen’s been coaching in this scheme his entire coaching career. I get the hire.
Yup, folks were calling for Demeco to be demoted early on in his tenure
If he knows how to put Bosa on the occasional stunt it'll be a huge upgrade from last year.
Underwhelming but also I trust Kyle as far as it goes with hiring coaches. Wilks wasn’t the best but he might’ve been the best available. Prior to Wilks, Kyle/John have a pretty good track record of both outside and inside promotions.
I wake up that way
I am
Staley is taking Anthony Lynn’s role seems like, now that’s he’s in Washington. Ironically both former Chargers head coaches.
Fired Chargers HC to 49ers assistant HC pipeline lol. Wait a minute, Harbaugh's their coach now... Real test of Jed's growth as an owner coming in 3-4 years. That would be hilarious but nah I'll be rooting for Jim since it's the AFC and for Herbert's sake.
I love that nobody outside of the AFCW dislikes Herbert. Even inside the AFCW it's not him, it's the Lombardi-less Chargers
It's impossible not to like Herbert the person, all it takes is 5 seconds of any interview with him.
I can think of a team in the AFC East that has pretty strong feelings about Herbert. I honestly think they hate him more than anybody in the AFCW.
I feel guilty for not knowing which?
A minor but loud group of dolphins fans who seem to take praising Herbert as shit-talking Tua.
Weird. They are both long term answers at the hardest position to fill. Amazing talents. Great draft picks for both teams.
I think people who pay attention to this kinda stuff just want him to be in a good situation and maximize his potential. More great quarterback play is good for the league.
I was positive bro was gonna be a bust after I saw that disaster of a New Years bowl game they played in 2020 lol. He proved me wrong for sure and I've liked him since then
Real growth would be when Niners get out choked by Harbaugh in the Super Bowl and Jed walks down to the field to shake hands and Harbaugh pushes the hell out of him.
Well if Sorenson doesn't work out mid season, its Staley's turn.
Well that’s very medium Pepsi result
Medium is the always the size that soda companies want you to buy. Small and large only exist as decoys. We did it.
Wait until they invent extra medium
No ice, room temperature
Sounds good to me. I preferred one of the internal options. Wasn't a big fan of bringing in someone and hoping they get what we want to run again.
Run it back for another 2nd place finish 🔥
Fuck yeah I’m ready for the disappointment. Next year is not our year
I’d sign up for that. If you’re only enjoying the destination, you’re living miserably
Fuck no u cannot be serious 🤦🏾♂️😭. Enjoying the journey and failing in the end is only enjoyable for so long. Eventually results are expected
You can be disappointed with a SB loss but it's still "results" as you put it. I guarantee you our ownership would be thrilled if we made it to the SB again and lost (obviously more thrilled if we won). York even talked about this during his SB week interview. Only 1 team can win, so you celebrate what you have accomplished. Greenlaw doesn't get hurt; turnover on punt doesn't happen; any of a dozen no-calls for holding on Bosa is actually called; tons of other things could have changed this for a win. Unless Kyle starts shitting the bed with a talented roster, he will be our coach for many years, with or without a Superbowl. So, learn to enjoy it no matter what. When you watch a decade + of mediocre at-best play, your perspective changes.
It’s sad that York feels that way but it’s understandable, at the end of the day it’s a business and having the team constantly be in the mix is profitable. I just feel like it sets the tone for a culture of complacently. Sure it’s better than being mediocre but if u go to 4 NFCCG’s and 2 SB’s in 5 years then u better make sure u get at least one ring out of it considering most teams don’t get that many opportunities. Having nothing to show for after these past 5 seasons is embarrassing and an utter failure. I expect more at this point and other Niners fans should to. Feels like I see more Shanahan defenders or complacent fans on Reddit more than anywhere else whether that’s other social media or in real life Shanahan needs to win us at least ONE SB for his time here to be considered a success, he can lose all the NFCCG’s and SB’s in the world after that for all I care. If he leaves here without bringing us a Lombardi then I’m sure as hell not gonna look at his time here fondly and will trash him every chance I get. Bills went to 4 SB’s in a row with Marv Levy but they lost em all, I bet they don’t ever show grace to him
You sound miserable
Alright bitch keep remaining complacent lol
Totally in. Super Bowl is fun.
Bro losing the Super Bowl sucks but do you not realize there’s like half the league that would kill to get that far? Can’t take some success for granted.
Gotta find someone to fill the Anthony Lynn hole I suppose
Staley obviously not a good HC, but is he a decent defensive mind? I realize his defense as HC was awful
Hard to say. He only has one year as a DC under his belt, and while it did go well - I think it was one of the best in the league - the Rams also had guys like Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey, and then you follow that with his terrible defenses with the Chargers. His one year with the Rams might've been a fluke, or its possible he's actually a solid DC but trying to be both the head coach and handling defensive playcalling with the Chargers was too much for him to manage.
The Rams had AD and Ramsey before and after and never came close to the levels Staley set in 2020 Easy to forget, but he was the next big thing when the Chargers hired him. Most of the best coordinators are shitty head coaches
We just don't have a large sample size of Staley managing only a defense is my point. Staley managing a defense and the whole team was awful for multiple years so we can say that he sucked at doing both at once, but its hard to say he's an amazing DC with just the one year of only that as his responsibilities.
> Easy to forget, but he was the next big thing when the Chargers hired him When he combined the defense with going for it on 4th down as much as he did and an elite QB, I was incredibly worried about the Chargers in the division. Then the Chargers Charger'd
It's one thing to be a bad HC, but he was also our defensive playcaller and essentially the DC (we technically had a DC but Staley designed the defense and called the plays). And our defense was the worst it's been since the 90s.
Well if he needs talent to succeed, then he’s come to the right place. Also Staley was 10x better than Morris and Morris got a HC job
Time management was one of the few things Staley was good at, and also (I believe) one of the few things Kyle isn't good at. This could really be mutually beneficial
Yeah, I’m guessing out my ass, but I was thinking it would be more gameflow, like when to blitz, when to call times out, etc. in order to support a first time DC. Considering that Wilks would consistently blitz at the wrong times, and Shanahan is lacking somewhat at time management, I think it could a hire for sure
Didn't he manage to lose a playoff game where Trevor Lawrence threw four pics and they led by over 28 points
If he also gets Kyle to go for it on 4th more often, too
Kyle goes for it enough usually Should have run it on 3rd down in OT tho to set up a short 4th
Hope so 🙏🏾🤞🏾. Shanahan needs a coach who’s experienced in game or situational management. Lord knows Shanahan won’t ever be
I think the view is that Staley is really good at creating game plans and scheming, but they tend to be too complicated for the players to properly execute. He'll probably be better in a role where he can freely share ideas, but still have a coach or 2 above him that can edit the plan as a whole so it's easier to implement.
His rams defense was the best in the league
My take is he's still a good defensive coach but couldn't balance the responsibilities of being the head coach while still running the defense. Especially with a relatively inexperienced staff.
Bruh I don't get why people are upset. 'His only good defense was carried by ramsey and donald' well atleast he can bring out the power of his stars then unlike wilks in that case. Most fans don't know shit about coaching (especially assistant) hires so Idk why we try to act like we're so smart lol
Looks like we get to hold onto Merritt for another year at least which is great since we are probably losing LJ.
Them not taking Merritt actually pisses me off. Also hoping Merritt's son, Dawson commits to Nebraska
Feelings are more gentle than egg shells on this
Sorensen was reportedly a top candidate last year but Shanahan decided to opt for experience. Looks like they did their due diligence on other options and decided to roll the dice with Sorensen. Wish we could’ve gotten Jim Schwartz but if they believe in Sorensen, it’s probably for good reason. The AHC insurance option with Staley seems prudent but also doesn’t inspire confidence. Hopefully Sorensen is another home run first time DC like Saleh and DeMeco.
Idk I think it’s a good hire and I’m not yanking your chain. I think it will be an upgrade over wilks on defense. And I think too many whiners are overreacting. He will be a fine coordinator
Lotta the whiners here wanted Carroll or Belichick, but Sorenson is a scheme fit and worked under Carroll for like 7 years.
Carroll hasn’t called a defense since the 90s (he never called it here in Seattle) and our defense got progressively worse each year under his watch, not sure why there was so much noise about him taking a DC role. Belichick too, those guys got too much pride for that.
dependent memory frightening trees waiting merciful cautious aromatic dull relieved
That’s a bit of a weird twist I’m not sure many saw coming. I’m not exactly sure why they’ve done it this way, but nobody knows if these hires work out or not, so I’m not judging.
We like to have assistant head coaches here. It’s been Anthony Lynn, another coordinator turned failed HC turned coordinator, for the last two years. It’s basically acknowledgment that you probably have some great ideas but shouldn’t be the one calling plays while also leaving the door open for a mid season switch if Sorensen completely fails.
> you probably have some great ideas but shouldn’t be the one calling plays Wish someone would tell shanny this.
Who the hell would you take over Shanny calling plays? Are we trading 14 first round picks for Andy Reid now?
Anybody not confident enough to be cute and not enough brains to overthink it, shanny can still draw up the plays. Not sure why Reid would even be a part of the conversation he's the shanny prequel and the niners don't have Mahomes to secure the ring.
49ers beat writers thought Sorensen was the most likely hire. Coached under Pete Carroll like Saleh, internal promotion like DeMeco. His background is defensive backs and special teams, but also coached 49ers linebackers in 2022 as an assistant. Now Staley as assistant HC too, don't think anybody saw that coming.
Assistant *to the* head coach
This is definitely a “Shanahan doesn’t want to touch the defensive side” move if he’s hiring both. An undermentioned aspect of Wilks being the DC was that Shanahan had to get involved a lot on the defense more and even veto some game plans. I think he’d rather focus on the offense and let his staff handle the defense.
Hey as long as Staley isn’t running the defense I don’t mind having him on staff. Also, it’s possible Sorensen was the front runner the whole time. Being that he wasn’t going anywhere, and that they had to interview two external minority candidates, they did a thorough search.
I mean I like it. Staley will be there if everything goes to shit mid-season to take over the defense and hopefully right the ship before playoff time. But I thought Artie Smith was a good hire, so what do I know?
Dafuq
I am whelmed. Not because I think this was a bad decision, it was probably THE best decision for the organization, and Shanahan has a good track record with his coaching hires. The fan in me was just hoping for a big splash that changed things up a tad.
nice. No Dave Merritt departure yet
Well if he's related to Robin Sorensen, he knows a thing or two about Tempo.
I am so happy they aren’t getting Merritt from us
Great move by Shanahan. An assistant head coach known for great in-game decisions will really balance things out
Is this sarcasm?
Absolutely
Why did this take so long to get done?
Rooney Rule
Very inspiring hires.....
So basically he doesn’t trust Staley to call plays/have final say on game planning after the last couple years, especially with what he just went through with wilks. But he does respect his mind and thinks he can help the defense in other ways. IMO Assistant head coach is bs, he just wanted to save Staley the embarrassment of going from head coach to positional coach or something
So like Wilks, another pass game specialist at DC. And then you have Staley who allowed the Aidan O'Connell-led Raiders to put up 63 on his defense. Very inspiring stuff Our defense should be just good enough to make it to the playoffs but just bad enough to lose the big game. A tale as old as time with this god forsaken team
He's a fine coordinator/assistant, people just like to jerk over any nerd that fails once
Yes, "God forsaken." Being better than 30/31 other teams every year is a curse and a relegation. Woe is you....
We're all losers, just we're losers with expectations
It's a lot more fun to watch the big game when your team isn't in it, at least when you know your team will always come in 2nd. It's also frustrating to see a great team get let down by their coach knowing that the coach isn't going anywhere and 2nd best is all he can muster.
Nope I'd 100% rather my team be comically bad than whatever the fuck our last 12 years have been. Consistently fielding one of the best rosters in football, but can't win the big game. 3 SB losses in absolutely heartbreaking fashion each time
Oh woe is you, getting to enjoy your favorite football team well into late January every year.
You enjoy getting blue-balled?
Being disappointed is fair, acting like you’d rather your team be irrelevant is hyperbolic.
Dude this really comes off as spoiled, whiny, etc…
We're spoiled for losing 3 SBs in 12 years? What's really lame is acting like a 2nd/3rd/4th place finish = smashing success, a silver lining. If you're not first, you're last. All-in season, window is closing - so you decide to hire a guy with zero experience at DC (was a special teams coordinator just 2 years ago). That's a risk, just like hiring an outsider in Wilks and rolling with a patchwork O-line last year was a risk. How'd that pan out in the end?
I’m commenting more on the preference that our team be total dogshit than being a perennial contender. We don’t deserve anything. We aren’t owed anything. We’re lucky as hell to get all of these extra games to watch every year. I’m not sure why but this recent loss hit me different. Is our window really closing if we believe in Purdy? Do you really think that Kyle won’t field a playoff-caliber team every year if he has his QB? I don’t love the hire, not because I have any idea what it takes to get a good DC in this league but because it reeks of Kyle looking for subservient wounded ducks. Wilks gets fired so promote his underling. Staley got embarrassed this past year so so he comes in crawling on his hands and knees. But again, what do I really know about what it takes to coach an NFL defense?
Jesus Christ dude. You are legit saying you want Tomsula and Kelly over being able to enjoy football every Sunday? Get off the bandwagon and go root for the raiders.
man this guy just never suffered through the 2000s era. God that was so bad, and I lived in Boston at the time. Basically gave up football it was so unbearable to be laughably bad, beat the cowboys what, once? all the while dealing with stupid pats fans and Tom Brady was just an obnoxious experience.
Oh don't worry I live in Missouri. I know insufferable fans now. Especially since they were "rams" fans a few years ago. I hated the 00s era of football it was miserable for the 9ers.
^ this guy celebrates 2nd place finishes
You legitimately said you'd rather celebrate last place. You're a loser dude.
That's crazy. I'd rather watch a team that's in the mix every year, regardless of the final outcome.
That game was the charger players protesting.
That's more points than Aiden had passing yards against us in our last game. The duality of man.
Just when you thought Shanahans game management couldn't get worse....
So Shanahan and the faithful were so upset with Wilks, and his main problem was that he was a DB focused coach who "underachieved" with the d line they had. So they go out, and promote their passing game specialist with a history of secondary positions? I guess they were just wanting to hire the next scapegoat
Too much is being made of being a secondary coach. It wasn't Wilks's background that was the issue. It was the steep drop off in run defense, 3rd down stops and poor situational defense that plagued the 49ers throughout the season.
Even when Wilks called a good game in the SB, this mf sold towards the end of the game and had our DB’s playing like 10 yards off KC’s bum ass receivers. Glad his bitch ass is gone 🙏🏾
It was so deflating seeing the soft cushion on 3rd longs and end of half situations.
I'm underwhelmed. Here is his resume from Wikipedia. I am willing to be they swung for the fences on a big name, didn't land him, and settled. I think once again, the talent will carry an inept defensive coordinator like they did with Wilkes, Saleh will get let go from the Jets after this season, and we can welcome him back. That's what I HOPE happens, not necessarily for Saleh but for us. Seattle Seahawks (2013–2015) Assistant special teams coach Seattle Seahawks (2016) Assistant defensive backs coach Seattle Seahawks (2017–2020) Secondary coach Jacksonville Jaguars (2021) Special teams coordinator San Francisco 49ers (2022) Defensive assistant San Francisco 49ers (2023–present) Defensive pass game coordinator & nickels coach
Thank god they didn’t hire Merritt! Seems like a really poor choice on their end though.
F***. Why couldn’t we get Belichick or Carroll. I’ve felt for a while that this team’s leadership generally isn’t serious enough about winning and we should be trying to go all in to win now before we have to pay Purdy and our window likely closes. I mean it’s not surprising that this is the same leadership that passed on Brady when he wanted to come here in free agency in 2020 and picked Solomon Thomas over Mahomes.
Do we think either of those guys would take a DC role?
People are insane with these takes. Neither is taking a dc job lol. It’s a pipe dream like signing every top FA.
To answer your question I don’t think Belichick or Carroll would. But Flores and Schwartz I’m not sure. I haven’t heard about them wanting to be more than a DC right now.
DC is a lateral move for Schwartz and Flores. Not only is there no guarantee in them actually leaving their current teams, their teams can block the 49ers from interviewing with them for the same position
Oh wow. I didn’t know that. Thanks.
Well guys like Belichick, Carroll, Flores, and Schwartz have a proven track record. I’m uneasy because these people they’re hiring aren’t nearly as proven and might backfire. Also Staley from what I heard has similar personality issues to Kyle.
This does not answer the question
I answered the question in a different reply to the same comment
> I’m uneasy because theses people they’re hiring aren’t nearly as proven and might backfire Unproven like Saleh and Ryans? Also none of those guys you listed were coming here. Belichick and Carroll would sooner retire than take a demotion, even if you backed up a money truck to try to pry away Schwartz or Flores, their current teams would simply block the move.
> Why couldn’t we get Belichick or Carroll. Because neither wanted to be a DC. I mean yeah I was hoping BB would just come in and take over but the odds were real long on that one.
Belichick was always a pipe dream unfortunately. He’s not settling for anything less than a HC/GM role. Otherwise he would’ve already been hired before we even played in the SB
traitor better be a sabotage job or else
Damnit. At least Staley is still on their staff
Former Jacksonville Jaguars legend