Steve Wilks, the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, has had a challenging first season with the team. Taking over a successful defense with the same position coaches and system as his predecessor, DeMeco Ryans, Wilks had to strike a balance between adding his own touches and maintaining what had worked well in the past.
The season had its ups and downs for Wilks. The 49ers started strong, dominating the first five games. However, they also experienced a three-game losing streak in October that led to Wilks moving from the coaching booth to the sideline. Despite the challenges, Wilks will be calling plays in the upcoming Super Bowl, tasked with slowing down Patrick Mahomes and the high-powered Kansas City Chiefs offense.
However, Wilks' unit has come under fire after two lackluster performances in the playoffs. In the NFC title game against the Detroit Lions, the defense allowed 182 rushing yards, with some players appearing to give less than maximum effort on certain plays. Wilks expressed his disappointment, stating that such performances were unacceptable and that the players understood the expectations. The sentiment was echoed by head coach Kyle Shanahan, general manager John Lynch, and defensive players like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner.
Last season, under Ryans, the 49ers led the league in points allowed, yards allowed, and takeaways. Although this season saw a slight drop-off in those numbers, with the defense allowing slightly more points and yards per game while generating fewer takeaways, the overall performance remained strong.
Wilks faced a significant amount of criticism earlier in the season, with blame being placed on him for the team's struggles. However, players like Bosa defended their coordinator, acknowledging that football is a team sport and that the responsibility for success or failure does not fall solely on one person.
A win in the Super Bowl would be a validation of Wilks' abilities as a defensive coordinator. Previously passed over for a head coaching job in Carolina, Wilks joined the 49ers staff and is now headed to his third Super Bowl as an assistant coach. Despite losing both previous trips as an assistant, he remains focused on the task at hand and took a moment to reflect on his journey on social media.
In November, Wilks was moved from the coaching booth to the sideline to improve communication and address some of the team's issues with tackling and energy. The move seemed to pay off, with an improvement in performance on the field, particularly in the second halves of the two playoff games.
General manager John Lynch praised Wilks' commanding presence and noted that the move to the sideline had been beneficial for in-game adjustments. The team is grateful for what Wilks has brought to the table and is excited to have him leading the defense in the Super Bowl.
As the 49ers prepare for their matchup against the Chiefs, Wilks will continue to make adjustments and work with his unit to ensure they perform at their best. With the pressure mounting and the defense under scrutiny, Wilks remains focused on the task of slowing down Mahomes and his explosive offense.
