49ers Rumors: Steve Wilks to Be Named DC After Stint as Panthers Interim Head Coach

The San Francisco 49ers have reportedly found DeMeco Ryans' successor at defensive coordinator.

Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, the Niners plan to hire former Carolina Panthers interim head coach Steve Wilks.

Ryans, who spent the past two seasons as defensive coordinator, left the 49ers when he was hired as head coach of the Houston Texans.

Wilks began the 2022 season as defensive passing game coordinator and secondary coach for the Panthers on Matt Rhule's staff.

When Rhule was fired Oct. 10, the Panthers named Wilks their interim head coach. The 53-year-old led them to a 6-6 record and into contention for the NFC South title until Week 17.

Per CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones, Wilks was one of two finalists to be named Panthers head coach. The job went to Frank Reich.

Albert Breer of The MMQB reported Thursday that San Francisco interviewed Washington Commanders defensive backs coach Chris Harris for its vacant defensive coordinator position.

Per CBS Sports' Josina Anderson, 49ers defensive line coach Kris Kocurek was also under consideration to replace Ryans.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Wednesday that the team would look for "someone who can work with who we have" and run the same concepts that made the unit successful under Ryans.

San Francisco has arguably the best defense in the NFL. The 49ers finished the season ranked first in points and yards allowed.

This will mark Wilks' second stint as a defensive coordinator in the NFL. He spent the 2019 season with the Cleveland Browns in that role. He was previously a defensive assistant for Washington, the Chicago Bears, the San Diego Chargers and the Panthers.

Wilks was also the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals during the 2018 season.