49ers reportedly hiring ex-Chargers head coach Brandon Staley, but not as new defensive coordinator
Staley will be taking on an assistant coach role on Kyle Shanahan's staff
Former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley has a new gig with the San Francisco 49ers, but he won't be joining the team as its new defensive coordinator.
According to multiple reports, Nick Sorensen, who was the 49ers' defensive pass game specialist and nickel cornerbacks coach, has been promoted to oversee the defense. He replaces Steve Wilks, who was fired on Feb. 14 after only one season in charge.
Staley, meanwhile, will be joining Kyle Shanahan's staff as assistant head coach. He will replace Anthony Lynn, who left the 49ers to join the Washington Commanders' as their run game coordinator and running backs coach.
Staley was the Chargers' head coach for parts of three seasons before he was dismissed in December. Before moving to Los Angeles, his previous NFL experience saw him as outside linebackers coach for the Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos. He was the Los Angeles Rams' defensive coordinator for the 2020 season before he was hired by the Chargers.
The defense-heavy experience on Staley's resume is somewhat different than what the 49ers do, but earlier this week during the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, 49ers general manager John Lynch said that wouldn't be an issue in their consideration for hiring him.
"He's a really bright dude," Lynch said. "We have an open mind, but we do know there's certain core principles that we're going to always be on the defensive side. ... I wouldn't rule him out because of that."
