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Report: 49ers missed out on Super Bowl-winning defensive coordinator

The 49ers settled on promoting from within for their vacant defensive coordinator position. But, according to reports they could've gone bigger.

By Nathan Bannerman

Kansas City Chiefs v Los Angeles Chargers
Kansas City Chiefs v Los Angeles Chargers / Ric Tapia/GettyImages
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Just over two weeks after firing defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, the San Francisco 49ers decided to promote from within the organization. Defensive passing game specialist Nick Sorensen will be the man leading the defence.


It's not surprising they decided to stick with an inside hire considering it's worked out in the past.

However, according to reports the Niners took a shot at Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

Since joining the Chiefs in 2019, Spagnuolo has won three Super Bowls including two over San Francisco and lost just one which was to quarterback Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

San Francisco boasts one of the best defensive units in the NFL, but last season it was missing something. Whether it was a spark from the coach, or schemes and interesting play calls, the 49ers just weren't as scary as they used to be. Yes, they still won enough games to make it to the Super Bowl, but when it came time to be clutch, they couldn't do it.

If you were to compare defensive rosters, nine times out of 10 you'd pick the 49ers. With a linebacking unit of Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw, a defensive line with Arik Armstead, Nick Bosa and Javon Hargrave, and a secondary with Charvarious Ward and rookie Ji'Ayir Brown, San Francisco isn't lacking.

In 2023 the Chief's defense ranked second in the NFL. It's their best ranking under Spaguolo.

Spaguolo had high praise for 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy after the Super Bowl, which makes this report even more interesting. Was there serious consideration from Spaguolo to leave the back-to-back Super Bowl champs? Is San Francisco just settling because Spag's was their guy but they couldn't get him?

Future hall of fame coach Bill Belichick is still out on the market along with former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. Head coach Kyle Shanahan had said in the past he'd hire Belichick if the opportunity arose.

Only time will tell if promoting Sorensen was the right move. But you can't help but imagine what could've been if Spaguolo signed on instead.


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