49ers remove Nick Sorensen from defensive coordinator job after rough season

49ers remove Nick Sorensen from defensive coordinator job after rough season

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. 

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen speaks at a news conference during NFL football training camp in Santa Clara, Calif., July 31, 2024.
Niners defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen speaks at a news conference during training camp this past July. AP

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. 

Defensive Coordinator Nick Sorensen of the San Francisco 49ers talks with the defense in the locker room during halftime of the game against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on December 30, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. The Lions defeated the 49ers 40-34.
Defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen talks with the 49ers defense during halftime of their 40-34 Week 17 loss to the Lions. Getty Images

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. 

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