The 49ers continued to change their coaching staff on Tuesday by removing Nick Sorensen from his post as defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports. 

San Francisco would like to keep Sorensen on head coach Kyle Shanahan’s staff for next season but in a different role.

Nevertheless, with other job opportunities out there, it isn’t a given that happens. 

Sorensen, 46, has been a member of the 49ers staff since 2022, but this past season marked his first as a DC.

The unit regressed in several areas, sitting at 29th in total points allowed 436 points. 

“I learn all the time,” Sorensen said last week when evaluating the job he did in 2024, according to ESPN. “I’m harder on myself probably than anyone ever can [be], anything you guys or anyone could say. It starts with are we winning the game? Obviously, I want our defense to be top-notch and to be the best that we can be and grow and get better. So, as far as evaluating me, I learned a lot.” 

The Niners will be on their third defensive coordinator in as many seasons following the dismissal of Steve Wilks last February after the Super Bowl. 

Two former Jets coaches could be among the list of candidates to replace Sorensen as DC in the Bay Area. 

Robert Saleh’s name has been floated as a possible candidate for the job, per ESPN, but he is interviewing for the head coach job with the Jaguars. 

Jeff Ulbrich is another candidate who has popped up.