Not only were the 49ers able to retain defensive line coach Kris Kocurek, they used the popular position coach in their interview with Steve Wilks, who is set to be hired as San Francisco’s new defensive coordinator.
Matt Barrows of the Athletic reported Kocurek was with Wilks for part of the interview to ensure the DL coach and potential new coordinator got along personally and with their football philosophies.
The 49ers under Kocurek have had a ton of success in his Wide 9 system that spreads the defensive front out wider than normal. The good news for San Francisco, and perhaps part of the reason Wilks was hired, is Wilks has a long history as a defensive backs coach. It would stand to reason his expertise in that area will allow him to adapt his defense around Kocurek’s talented, productive defensive front.
As long as those two defensive coaches are on the same page, San Francisco should continue having success on that side of the ball with their third new coordinator since 2019.