Now-former defensive coordinator Steve Wilks of the San Francisco 49ers: is he someone the Dallas Cowboys should be interested in? Coach Kyle Shanahan shockingly fired Wilks on Wednesday in the hours after the Niners’ overtime loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII. We would contend that the man whose defense had effectively made Patrick Mahomes and the explosive Chiefs offense pay for just 19 points through the first four quarters of the game has been made the victim of yet another Shanahan Super Bowl defeat.
While the Cowboys already have their next defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer, under contract, as he was unveiled to the media this week, the thought of potentially adding another veteran coordinator to the staff is intriguing.
Despite the message that is being sent with Wilks’ departure from San Francisco, it doesn’t seem like the decision had anything to do with performance. The Niners defense under Wilks was one of the league’s best. San Francisco ranked fourth in scoring defense, allowing just 18.8 points per game, finishing No. 5 against the run and No. 14 in passing defense according to yards allowed per game. Shanahan said it was a bad “fit.” Hmmm. OK. While Zimmer has already replaced now-Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn as the new defensive coordinator here, the Cowboys still have openings on staff. Both top defensive aide Joe Whitt Jr. (to Washington) and defensive line coach Aden Durde (to Seattle) took jobs elsewhere.
Just two seasons ago, then with the Carolina Panthers, Wilks was the defensive pass game coordinator and secondary coach before he was promoted to interim head coach following the midseason firing of Matt Rhule.
In addition to adding coordinating expertise and another former head coach to the Cowboys’ roster, Wilks would also bring firsthand knowledge of the defensive strategies that have helped the Niners succeed. Something that might come in handy should Dallas hope to unseat their longstanding adversary as the NFC champs the following season.
