49ers select Steve Wilks as defensive coordinator

The San Francisco 49ers replaced defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans with Steve Wilks, NFL source confirmed.

From Super Bowl Live: The #49ers are hiring Steve Wilks as defensive coordinator, a perfect match for all parties. pic.twitter.com/EN3nx0VO7e

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 7, 2023

The 53-year-old Wilks was selected by coach Kyle Shanahan on Tuesday to take over the NFL’s top-ranked defense.

Wilks was hired as interim head coach in place of the fired Matt Rhule last season for the Carolina Panthers after serving as the defensive passing game coordinator and secondary coach.

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According to media reports, the 49ers interviewed Washington defensive backs coach Chris Harris last week and were also considering internal candidates including defensive secondary coach Cory Undlin.

Wilks was elevated one day after Carolina lost at home 37-15 to the 49ers, leaving the Panthers with a 1-4 record. Carolina went 6-6 over the rest of the season to finish 7-10.

He was considered for the Panthers’ permanent head coaching job that instead went to Frank Reich.

“The sun rose this morning and by the grace of God so did I,” Wilks said in a statement posted on Twitter after Reich got the job.

“I’m disappointed but not defeated. Many people aren’t built for this but I know what it means to persevere and see it through.”