Overview

• The San Francisco 49ers have fired defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen and special teams coordinator Brian Schneider following a 6-11 season plagued by injuries and underperformance.
• Head coach Kyle Shanahan emphasized the need for a defensive coordinator with more experience and adaptability, particularly in handling personnel challenges caused by injuries.
• Sorensen, a rookie coordinator, faced criticism for his inability to adjust defensive strategies effectively, contributing to the team allowing the fourth-most points in the NFL this season.
• Schneider's departure follows a significant decline in special teams performance, including a drop in kicker Jake Moody’s field goal success rate to the lowest in the NFC West.
• Shanahan plans to interview both internal and external candidates for the defensive coordinator role, with Brandon Staley and other experienced coaches under consideration.