The San Francisco 49ers are asking other teams to call their coaches. It happens every year. Assistant general manager Adam Peters will interview the Washington commanders on Tuesday.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports that the Los Angeles Chargers have asked to interview 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks for their open head coaching job on Monday night. Some thought Wilks would be named head coach of the Carolina Panthers after posting a .500 record as interim head coach.
The 49ers defense allowed only one opponent to score more than three touchdowns during the week. For a coach who didn’t bring his assistants along, Wilks has done a masterful job with the Niners this season.
When we talk about head coaching candidates, the first thing that comes to mind is calling the game, but being a head coach is so much more than X’s and Os. You are more than a CEO who takes care of the tedious administrative tasks that coordinators don’t have to deal with.
Wilks has shown leadership and organizational skills as a head coach. His message went to the defense of 49ers, as it did with Carolina a season ago. If you’re a team that needs a strong voice, Wilks is the perfect candidate.
Because of Wilks’ previous head coaching experience, the 49ers may not have the luxury of letting him go for multiple seasons. There are currently six head coaching openings in the NFL and there could be more by the end of the week. We usually have a few coats in each cycle. It would be easy for a team to sign a recruit with the best record in the NFL.
The Niners might be lucky if Wilks doesn’t bring in any contributors, but he’s been here for a year, too, and has certainly built a relationship with the defense. That would be worrying if you’re Shanahan.
Let’s see if other teams drafted Wilks like Peters. This is a co-league and the 49ers were once again one of the best teams in the NFL. That’s as long as they get away with it..
