Few believe 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan fired defensive coordinator Steve Wilks without any idea of the identity of his replacement. Some around the league believe Shanahan will eventually hire former Rams defensive coordinator and Chargers head coach Brandon Staley.
Staley was released by the Chargers during the 2023 season following a blowout loss to the Raiders on Thursday night. When the Rams lost defensive coordinator Raheem Morris to the Falcons as head coach, Staley was considered but not signed to return to the Rams.
Staley and Shanahan have not worked together before. They faced off twice in 2020 as Staley led the Rams' defense. During Staley's time as coach of the Chargers, they had one game against each other. The 49ers won all three games with Staley as defensive coordinator or head coach.
Staley is known for using multiple alignments to get the best out of players. He has the flexibility to use the Seatle/Cover 3 defense if Shanahan wants and if that suits the personnel. Or Shanahan could trust Staley to teach players different looks, fronts and approaches dictated by the opponent, not the system.
There is no indication yet that Shanahan will even interview Staley. He's arguably the best option available at this stage of the offseason — unless Shanahan gets the godfather of Seattle's defense, Pete Carroll, willing to take the job, and if Shanahan wants him. Or unless Bill Belichick or Mike Vrabel wanted the job.
We'll see how it turns out. For now, though, we're keeping an eye on Staley as some people in league circles believe he will be at some point.