The 49ers could bring Sorensen back, but that doesn’t mean they retain him as a defensive coordinator.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has publicly stated that he’s happy with defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen’s job in 2024.
After Week 18’s loss, team captain Fred Warner said the defense didn’t do Sorensen any favors. Down the stretch, the team missed several tackles leading to big plays, took porous angles, and ultimately surrendered too many big plays to be competitive.
The defense peaked during the first half of Week 15, a short week against the Los Angeles Rams. Dre Greenlaw returned to the lineup, Nick Bosa was back, and the defense played with an edge we hadn’t seen all season.
However, the success on one side of the ball shouldn’t hinge on Greenlaw and Bosa being in the lineup. It’s evident how critical those two are to the 49ers’ success, but it’s time for a change if you can’t function without two players in the lineup.
Sorensen has been a coach in the NFL since 2013 and played in the NFL from 2001-2010. He’s not lacking in experience. But prior to joining the 49ers in 2022, Sorensen was primarily an assistant defensive backs or secondary coach with the Seattle Seahawks.
Sorensen also held the titles of assistant special teams coach and special teams coordinator for Seattle and the Jacksonville Jaguars. If the 49ers were looking to retain Sorensen, moving him to the side of the ball would make sense, where he has coordinator experience and began his coaching career.
You wouldn’t have to hire a new voice. However, a change on special teams is necessary after the 49ers finished second to last in special teams DVOA and in the bottom five in every phase other than punt returns.
That leaves a hypothetical void at defensive coordinator. Shanahan would bring Sorensen back to avoid a third coordinator in as many years. But that’s one reason and ignores the 49ers’ low blitz and man rates in a league where pressure is king, and tight windows are how you get off the field.
We’ll review potential candidates if any news arises that Sorensen has switched roles or been let go. What would you do if you were Shanahan? Is it time for a new defensive coordinator?