49ers DC Steve Wilks Moving to Sidelines vs. Jaguars Following 3-Game Losing Streak

In the midst of a three-game losing streak, the San Francisco 49ers are making a change they hope will shore up their recent defensive woes.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Wednesday that defensive coordinator Steve Wilks will move from the booth to the sideline going forward, starting with Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The 49ers are coming off a 31-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals prior to their bye week. It was the most points San Francisco has allowed this season, and opponents are averaging 24 points against the team during the three-game skid after being held to 13.6 points over its 5-0 start to the year.

Wilks, who is in his first year as 49ers defensive coordinator, has experienced a few bumps in the road this season. In the team's Week 7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, he took responsibility for calling an all-out blitz that surrendered a 60-yard touchdown reception by rookie receiver Jordan Addison.

"I take full responsibility for that call," he said. "I have to do a better job in putting the guys in a better position. We have good players. I know that and can't really press the issue and with that moving forward, it's my responsibility to do that. So I wish I could take it back, but again, I've got to do better."

San Francisco only has 18 sacks this season, which is the fifth-fewest total in the league. That is far below the standard of the 49ers' vaunted defensive line, and reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa admitted that it's taken some time to adjust to the increase in blitz calls under Wilks.

"It definitely works out sometimes," Bosa said last month. "I'm not used to it. We're usually a rush four kind of team and it's a little different this year."

The 49ers added 2020 No. 2 pick Chase Young at the trade deadline, so he should inject some new energy into the defense.

It remains to be seen if Wilks' presence on the sideline will benefit the team as it tries to maintain its position in the playoff race.