The San Francisco 49ers may hire former Super Bowl Champion and Titans head coach Mike Vrabel as their next defensive coordinator. After 49ers head coach, Kyle Shanahan expected all coaches to come back next season, but that all changed. Shanahan decided to relieve Steve Wilks of his duties and they’re on the hunt for a new DC. Wilks was hired for only one year after DeMeco Ryans left to become the head coach of the Houston Texans.
San Francisco was third in points allowed and eighth in yards allowed during the regular season. Shanahan wasn’t persuaded enough to keep Wilks as their DC and ultimately didn’t feel he was the right fit for what the defense wanted to do. Some talking heads are shocked by this decision after helping the team defensively back to another Super Bowl run. The heartbreaking overtime Super Bowl loss against the Chiefs could’ve been a factor in why they made the decision.
However, NFL social media are slamming the 49ers for using Wilks as an apparent scapegoat. Those talking heads are explaining that he shouldn’t be held responsible for their Super Bowl loss. It didn’t leave the fans happy with the decision and they said that Wilks was being mistreated. This could mean that it won’t be too long until he finds a new home coaching another defensive unit.
In the meantime, many coaches are rumored to be a part of the 49ers defensive unit next season. Vrabel has been one of the names mentioned and that could happen.
Former Tennessee Titans HC Mike Vrabel could be a name to watch for the 49ers they have a relationship.
This job could be appealing for Vrabel it's been track for head coach job with Texans DeMeco Ryans and Jets Robet Saleh pic.twitter.com/m5v8Wmrddf
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) February 14, 2024
San Francisco 49ers May Hire Former Tennessee Titans Head Coach Mike Vrabel
Could Vrabel Be On Track to Head Coach Again?
If the 49ers hire Vrabel as their next defensive coordinator, then he could find himself back in the head coaching for another team in 2025. However, something interesting that the 49ers front office does is elevate Vrabel to head coach. This may be possible if Shanahan brings the team back to the Super Bowl, but they aren’t victorious after the matchup. Many could question of how Shanahan would still have a job if he lost a third Super Bowl.
It would allow Vrabel to take over the duties as head coach. This would actually be the same scenario as what Ryans did as a defensive coordinator for San Francisco. He got his name out there until eventually he was given a deal from the Texans to become their head coach. Whether it’s staying in San Francisco or not, Vrabel could build his resume with the 49ers.
Vrabel has three Super Bowls as a player and none of them as a coach. Still, he has a defensive mindset that can coach guys like Nick Bosa and could bring them back to the promised land. The process would be for him to win a ring with the 49ers and then most likely hit the market again. Vrabel would be an intriguing candidate after that possibility.
He Could Bring the Super Bowl Mindset
Vrabel has won Super Bowls being coached under Bill Belichick, but only as a player. However, Vrabel still has the experience and almost brought the Titans to the Super Bowl in 2021. He also won Coach of the Year by bringing them to the playoffs after a long drought. Vrabel has the experience that most coaches are lacking.
It could be a missed opportunity if the 49ers don’t consider Vrabel serious as they begin their search for a new defensive coordinator. Complementing Shanahan can set the 49ers on a long journey to the long-awaited Super Bowl.
