Report: 49ers interview Chiefs DBs coach for DC opening

Field Level Media|published: Wed 28th February, 17:34 2024

Feb 7, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan speaks during a press conference before Super Bowl LVIII at Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa. credits: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers are interviewing Kansas City Chiefs defensive backs coach David Merritt for their defensive coordinator opening, NFL Network reported Wednesday, the last coordinator job yet to be filled in the NFL.

The 49ers fired DC Steve Wilks three days after losing to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.

Merritt, 52, has been with the Chiefs since 2019 and has been with DC Steve Spagnuolo longer than that, dating to their days together with the New York Giants.

The 49ers interviewed former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley earlier this week along with internal candidate, defensive passing game specialist Nick Sorensen. Niners DBs coach Daniel Bullocks is also expected to interview later this week.

Merritt has five Super Bowl rings, three with the Chiefs and two more from his time with the Giants (2008, 2011), where he was safeties coach. He helped the Chiefs to the fourth-best pass defense in 2023.

Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan told NBC Sports Bay Area that he expects to have a decision this week.

Wilks was hired last year to replace DeMeco Ryans, who left to become the head coach of the Houston Texans.

Wilks' defense held the Chiefs to one touchdown in regulation in the 25-22 Super Bowl loss but gave up 455 yards. San Francisco allowed an NFC-low 17.5 points per game during the regular season.

—Field Level Media