The San Francisco 49ers took the daring and, some would argue, dubious decision to fire defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, only a few days after losing the Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chiefs by the narrowest of margins.
If they were to think creatively and a few people were willing to take on the position, it has given them the chance to have a significant impact.
Pete Carroll would be a “interesting” option for San Francisco’s defensive coordinator position, according to Peter King of NBC Sports, as reported by 95.7 The Game.
Pete Carroll would be a fascinating choice to head the 49ers’ DC. He is quite knowledgeable about this defense.It wouldn’t surprise me in the least if Kyle called Belichick and Carroll to see if they would be interested in this.
– @peter_king w/ @WillardAndDibs. pic.twitter.com/kobQhp9LMZ
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) February 21, 2024
Carroll is most remembered for being the lengthy head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, who led the team to a world title ten years prior.
The Seahawks and 49ers had a bitter rivalry back then. The Seahawks narrowly defeated San Francisco in the NFC Championship Game that year, due to a last-minute interception forced by standout cornerback Richard Sherman.
Carroll, however, is a native of the Bay Area who began his coaching career at the University of the Pacific in the 1970s. He was also the 49ers’ defensive coordinator in 1995 and 1996.
Despite being their head coach for 14 seasons, he left the Seahawks last month, and despite being in his early 70s, he still seemed to be full of enthusiasm.
Like DeMeco Ryans did in 2021 and 2022, the Niners need a defensive coordinator who is adept at leadership and inspiring his team in addition to planning.
They were the NFL’s top defensive unit in 2022, but this season they showed signs of weakness, which was particularly noticeable during the postseason.
