The aftermath of a crushing Super Bowl loss can be a defining moment for a head coach. It presents an opportunity to take accountability for what went wrong, rally the team, and come back stronger. However, in the case of the San Francisco 49ers, they have chosen a different path. Finger-pointing and scapegoating have become the norm, leading them on a collision course with disaster.
Recently, the 49ers made the surprising decision to part ways with their defensive coordinator, Steve Wilks. This move came just days after a Super Bowl loss where Wilks orchestrated a strategy that held Patrick Mahomes, one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks, to just one touchdown in regulation. The decision to fire Wilks is emblematic of the internal fractures within the 49ers organization.
However, it was not Wilks who made critical mistakes during the game. He was not responsible for freezing Christian McCaffrey out of the offense after a strong first half, or for making questionable decisions like electing to receive in overtime. Wilks cannot be blamed for a blocked extra point or a punt bouncing off a rookie’s ankle, leading to a Chiefs touchdown. The blame game within the 49ers is causing the team to self-destruct.
This firing could be the catalyst for further turmoil within the organization. Wilks was tasked with filling the shoes of Demeco Ryans, a highly respected defensive coordinator. While Ryans’ defense ranked number one in EPA (Expected Points Added) in his final season, it dropped to 12th in Wilks’ first season. Defensive metrics can fluctuate from year to year, but the philosophical differences between Shanahan and Wilks were evident.
Shanahan and Wilks clashed throughout the season, particularly when it came to defensive schemes. Wilks preferred a 3-4 scheme, while Shanahan favored a wide-9 4-3 defense. This clash of philosophies caused tension, as Wilks had to adapt to a scheme he was not entirely comfortable with after years of doing things his own way. The divide between Shanahan and Wilks was highlighted during a Week 7 loss to the Vikings, where Shanahan criticized Wilks’ blitzing strategy that resulted in a last-second touchdown.
Additionally, Wilks’ decision to call plays from the booth and his struggles with the run defense further strained the relationship. The run defense, once a strong point for the team, plummeted from second in the league to 26th under Wilks’ guidance. This weakness was exposed during the NFC Championship comeback win. The disconnect between the front and back end of the defense was evident, and Nick Bosa even mentioned the unpreparedness for Mahomes’ key gain during the game.
While it is understandable that mistakes are made in a high-stakes game like the Super Bowl, Shanahan’s decision to fire Wilks seems like a scapegoating move. Instead of taking responsibility for his own shortcomings as a head coach, Shanahan has thrown his defensive coordinator under the bus. This decision only adds to the chaos and turmoil that has enveloped the 49ers organization.
Wilks, who had hoped this opportunity would propel him to another head coaching job, now finds himself unemployed after the Super Bowl. It is unlikely that Shanahan would have fired him if the defense had only marginally regressed. But rather than leading a revival for the 2024 season, Shanahan has chosen to contribute to the fog of chaos that now surrounds the 49ers.
In conclusion, the San Francisco 49ers’ decision to fire their defensive coordinator, Steve Wilks, after a crushing Super Bowl loss reflects the finger-pointing and scapegoating culture within the organization. Instead of taking accountability for their own mistakes, the 49ers are on a destructive path that may lead to further turmoil and setbacks. It remains to be seen how they will recover from this decision and navigate the challenges that lie ahead.
