49ers Rumors: Raiders' Gerald Alexander Interviewed for DC Job to Replace Steve Wilks

The San Francisco 49ers interviewed Las Vegas Raiders safeties coach Gerald Alexander on Friday regarding the team's vacancy at defensive coordinator, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic.

The Raiders recently hired Alexander as their safeties coach on Jan. 24, although he could be in line for a much larger role with San Francisco.

The 49ers' defensive coordinator position was available on Feb. 14 once Steve Wilks was fired following the team's loss in Super Bowl 58.

Prior to his hiring as the Raiders' safeties coach, Alexander was the defensive backs coach for the Miami Dolphins from 2020 through 2021 before he took over as the assistant defensive backs coach on the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022.

While the Steelers' pass defense struggled in 2023 by allowing 227.1 yards per game through the air, it's worth noting that All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick missed seven games as a result of separate knee and hamstring injures.

Alexander also spent five years as a player in the NFL, appearing in games for five separate organizations from 2007 until 2011. He has some familiarity with San Francisco's coaching staff, as he was teammates with current 49ers defensive backs coach Daniel Bullocks on the Detroit Lions in 2008.

Bullocks has also interviewed for the team's defensive coordinator opening (h/t Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk). San Francisco has spoken to former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley, Kansas City Chiefs defensive backs coach David Merritt, and 49ers defensive passing game coordinator Nick Sorenson about filling the role.

If Alexander secures the job, he'll take over a defensive unit that is brimming with talent. The 49ers owned the No. 3 scoring defense in the NFL in 2023 with stars such as Nick Bosa and Fred Warner leading the way.