49ers fire DC, former Panthers coach Steve Wilks after Super Bowl LVIII loss

Well, now we know how Kyle Shanahan really felt about Steve Wilks.

On Wednesday, the San Francisco 49ers head coach announced the dismissal of Wilks—who served as his defensive coordinator this past season. This decision comes a day after Shanahan said the following when he was asked if Wilks would be back for the 2024 campaign:

“I haven’t talked to anybody yet, so, yeah, I expect all our coaches to be back.”

Per NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo, Shanahan told reporters today that Wilks ended up not being the “right fit.” The 49ers, who came up short in a 25-22 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII this past Sunday, ranked eighth in total defense in 2023—allowing 303.9 total yards per game.

This is now the second sour ending for Wilks in as many offseasons. The Panthers parted ways with the Charlotte, N.C. native last year after landing on Frank Reich as their head coach.