Replacing DeMeco Ryans might be the hardest, most important thing the 49ers will do this offseason. Their defensive coordinator for the last two years took a job as the Houston Texans’ head coach, leaving a gaping hole atop San Francisco’s No. 1-ranked defense.
While the 49ers’ defensive group is very talented, Ryans’ schematic brilliance and his leadership made him a fast riser in the NFL coaching ranks. They also made him perhaps the NFL’s best defensive coordinator in his first year on the job.
It’s very likely the 49ers’ defense will be the tip of the team’s spear again in 2023, so finding a good defensive coordinator will be paramount to their continued success. They’ve already requested a couple interviews, but a handful of other at least semi-intriguing names linger: