Reports: 49ers promoting Nick Sorensen to DC, add ex-Chargers coach Brandon Staley to staff

The San Francisco 49ers will promote defensive staffer Nick Sorensen to defensive coordinator, replacing the fired Steve Wilks, and add former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley to the staff, according to multiple reports.

Sorensen was previously the 49ers defensive pass game specialist and nickel cornerbacks coach and has been with the team for the past two seasons. Before landing with San Francisco, Sorensen spent the 2013-2020 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and was the Jacksonville Jaguars' special teams coach in 2021.

The 45-year-old Sorensen takes over for Wilks, who was fired after one season on the job two days after a 25-22 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 58.

San Francisco ranked third in the NFL in both rushing yards allowed and points allowed per game during the 2023 regular season. The 49ers gave up 455 yards to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl, including 130 on the ground.

Staley spent three seasons as the Chargers head coach before being fired in December after a 63-21 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. He will assume the title of assistant head coach, replacing Anthony Lynn.

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Lynn is now the run game coordinator and running backs coach for the Washington Commanders.