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Tag: Steve Wilks

  • Report: 49ers promote Nick Sorensen as defensive coordinator, also hire Brandon Staley

    Report: 49ers promote Nick Sorensen as defensive coordinator, also hire Brandon Staley

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    Kyle Shanahan went back to his comfort zone to find a defensive coordinator to replace Steve Wilks, but it apparently isn’t fully a one-man job.

    Nick Sorensen, who joined the 49ers’ staff as a defensive assistant in 2022 and was the passing game/nickel defense coach in 2023, will become the team’s third defensive coordinator in four years, according to ESPN.

    In a surprising twist, Shanahan is also hiring former Los Angeles Chargers coach Brandon Staley to help the defensive staff and presumably take on the title of Assistant Head Coach, which Anthony Lynn held (also after his stint as Chargers’ coach; Lynn left last month to become the Commanders’ running backs coach).

    Sorensen, 45, like predecessors Robert Saleh (2017-20) and DeMeco Ryans (2021-22) had a working relationship with Shanahan lessening the likelihood he wouldn’t carry out the wishes of the head coach. Saleh worked with Shanahan on the staff of the Houston Texans from 2006-07 and Ryans joined the 49ers’ staff as a defensive assistant in 2017 before moving on to linebackers and then defensive coordinator.

    Both coaches left for head coaching jobs, Saleh to the New York Jets in 2021 and Ryans to the Houston Texans in 2023.

    Wilks, who had never worked with Shanahan before being hired on Feb. 7, 2023, was fired three days after the 49ers lost 25-22 to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.

    Wilks has been characterized as a scapegoat for the 49ers not winning a championship. It’s also clear Shanahan was never comfortable with his choice of schemes during the 49ers’ 12-5 season in which they were susceptible to the run late in the season and had poor first-half performances in playoff wins over Green Bay and Detroit en route to the NFC Championship.

    Included in the regular season was a zero blitz call that resulted in a Minnesota touchdown that Shanahan publicly criticized in the aftermath. Wilks, who coached from the coaches’ booth, was summoned to the sideline during the 49ers sideline after the bye week and coached there for the rest of the season. In the Super Bowl, Shanahan abruptly called a timeout in overtime because he wasn’t comfortable with one of Wilks’ defensive calls.

    Despite finishing third in points allowed, the 49ers never seemed to find a defensive personality, vacillating from an aggressive blitzing team with elements of man-to-man to one that relies on front-four pressure and top-down zone defense in the secondary.

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    Jerry McDonald, Cam Inman

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  • Wilks ‘disappointed, not defeated’ over Panthers snub

    Wilks ‘disappointed, not defeated’ over Panthers snub

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Former Carolina Panthers interim coach Steve Wilks is “disappointed, but not defeated” that he didn’t land the team’s full-time head coaching position.

    The Panthers announced on Thursday they’ve agreed to hire Frank Reich as their coach.

    “The sun rose this morning and by the grace of God so did I,” Wilks tweeted Friday. “Many people aren’t built for this but I know what it means to persevere and see it through.”

    Wilks thanked players, coaches and staff for their dedication, saying he took pride in representing his hometown of Charlotte.

    Wilks added, “I do wish Frank Reich the best.”

    Wilks’ tweet came less than 24 hours after his attorney Douglas Wigdor blasted the Panthers for their decision not to hire Wilks, who went 6-6 as Carolina’s interim coach in 2022 after replacing the fired Matt Rhule in Week 6.

    The Panthers interviewed Wilks, who is Black, twice for the position before settling on Reich, who is white.

    “We are shocked and disturbed that after the incredible job Coach Wilks did as the interim coach, including bringing the team back into playoff contention and garnering the support of the players and fans, that he was passed over for the head coach position by (Panthers owner) David Tepper,” Wigdor said in an email. “There is a legitimate race problem in the NFL, and we can assure you that we will have more to say in the coming days.”

    The Associated Press reached out to Wigdor’s office Friday to ask if it planned more legal action.

    “We do not have another comment at this time other than what we posted,” spokeswoman Courtney Cormican said.

    The Panthers said the team will have its first public remarks when Reich is introduced at a news conference on Tuesday.

    Wilks made no mention of whether the Panthers will be added to an ongoing lawsuit alleging racial hiring practices by the NFL and some teams. Nearly a year ago, Wilks joined Brian Flores’ lawsuit in an effort to bring attention to the lack of Black head coaches in the NFL.

    “When Coach Flores filed this action, I knew I owed it to myself, and to all Black NFL coaches and aspiring coaches, to stand with him,” Wilks said in a statement through his attorney last February. “This lawsuit has shed further important light on a problem that we all know exists, but that too few are willing to confront. Black coaches and candidates should have exactly the same ability to become employed, and remain employed, as white coaches and candidates.”

    Several Panthers players said after the regular season ended they wanted Wilks to return in 2023, including longtime linebacker Shaq Thompson. Thompson suggested players wanted to have a meeting with Tepper to give player input on the coaching situation, and throw their support behind Wilks.

    It’s unclear if that meeting happened.

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    AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL

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  • Colts’ Saturday hiring chided on diversity, fairness grounds

    Colts’ Saturday hiring chided on diversity, fairness grounds

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    Even Jeff Saturday was shocked when Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay called late Sunday night to offer him the head coaching position.

    A former two-time All-Pro center who snapped the ball to Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning for 12 seasons, Saturday surely knows his X’s and O’s.

    But the TV analyst’s only coaching experience was a three-year stint at Hebron Christian Academy in Georgia, where he led the team to a 20-16 record with three playoff appearances.

    Irsay’s decision stunned people internally and around the league, though his affinity for Saturday was known throughout the organization. Saturday played 13 seasons for the Colts, made the Pro Bowl six times, helped them win a Super Bowl and is a member of the team’s Ring of Honor.

    Critics immediately went after Irsay for hiring an inexperienced former player instead of elevating someone from the coaching staff, which is typical during in-season firings. Colts defensive coordinator Gus Bradley previously served as a head coach in Jacksonville from 2013-16. Senior defensive assistant John Fox spent 16 seasons as head coach in Carolina, Denver and Chicago, and led the Panthers and Broncos to Super Bowl appearances.

    Former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III called Irsay’s decision “a head-scratching slap in the face to every coach on that staff” in a post on Twitter.

    Saturday’s hiring also didn’t sit well with the Fritz Pollard Alliance, which fights for equity and inclusion in pro . The NFL has seven minority head coaches, including Carolina Panthers interim coach Steve Wilks.

    “The Rooney Rule is the only universal hiring policy used by the NFL to promote fairness and diversity,” The Alliance said in a statement. “However, (Monday’s) news in Indianapolis illuminated a gap in the league’s stated objective. If the spirit of the rule is to expand opportunities, we believe that it must be consistently applied, even in the hiring of interim positions.”

    Irsay and the Colts didn’t have to follow the Rooney Rule requirements for interviewing minority candidates because Saturday replaced Frank Reich during the season. The team will have to fulfill those requirements after the season when seeking a permanent hire.

    “We’re following the Rooney Rule to a ‘T.’ I really look forward to the interview process at the end of the season,” Irsay said.

    This wasn’t the first time Irsay went after Saturday, who is a paid consultant for the team and was working as an analyst at ESPN.

    “Now understand, we’ve tried to hire Jeff a couple times,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard said. “We tried to hire him in 2019 as the offensive line coach and we tried to hire him again this year — just didn’t work out. The timing didn’t work out. I spent a lot of time with Jeff — like I have with a few of the ex-players here, and it doesn’t take long to figure out that he’s got real leadership in him, real special in that regard. For this eight-game stretch and where we’re at, we thought he was going to be a really good fit for us.”

    The Colts (3-5-1) are headed nowhere and Matt Ryan’s benching for inexperienced and overwhelmed quarterback Sam Ehlinger indicates the team has prioritized draft positioning. Reich began each of his five seasons in Indianapolis with a different quarterback, so ensuring a top draft pick to select a potential franchise QB would be a wise strategy.

    That leaves Saturday in a can’t-lose position.

    If he somehow finds a way to lead the Colts to a winning record or even a 4-4 mark over the last eight games, it would be quite an achievement given the state of the team.

    If the Colts lose enough games to end up with one of the top QBs in the draft, Saturday would have helped set the team up for potential future success.

    Irsay made a bold, outside-the-box move that opened him up for scrutiny and criticism. It’s clear he doesn’t care about public perception.

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    Follow Rob Maaddi on Twitter at https://twitter.com/robmaaddi

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    AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP—NFL

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  • Pro Picks takes Commanders to rally around Wentz, beat Bears

    Pro Picks takes Commanders to rally around Wentz, beat Bears

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    Carson Wentz takes enough hits on and off the field that short rest is just another obstacle.

    Fresh off his coach running him over figuratively, Wentz leads the Washington Commanders (1-4) against the Chicago Bears (2-3) on Thursday night with each team trying to snap a losing streak.

    Commanders coach Ron Rivera caused quite a stir this week when he blamed the team’s four-game skid and last-place standing in the NFC East on his quarterback. Rivera later explained his response was misconstrued but the damage was done.

    For Wentz, it’s just another shot. He’s been taking plenty of them since his days in Philadelphia when nothing seemed to go right after he helped the Eagles start 13-3 in 2017, tore two knee ligaments and watched backup Nick Foles become a Super Bowl MVP.

    “I learned very early on you gotta just find a way to get out there Thursday,” Wentz said. “Your recovery is definitely expedited. … It’s very tough, very challenging, but it’s also prime time and guys get fired up to go play and hopefully put on a put on a good performance.”

    The Bears have lost two in a row after a 2-1 start. Second-year quarterback Justin Fields is the league’s third-lowest rated passer and has only 17.6 attempts per game.

    Chicago is a 1-point favorite, according to FanDuel. In a week with seven road favorites, Pro Picks likes the slight underdog Commanders to rally around Wentz.

    UPSET SPECIAL: COMMANDERS 23-19

    New York Jets (plus 7) at Green Bay

    The Jets (3-2) are improved but Aaron Rodgers and the Packers (3-2) can’t lose to New York teams two straight weeks.

    BEST BET: PACKERS 30-17

    Tampa Bay (minus 8 1/2) at Pittsburgh

    The Steelers (1-4) were embarrassed in Kenny Pickett’s first career start. The Buccaneers (3-2) still haven’t played up to their lofty standard after barely holding on to beat the Falcons.

    BUCCANEERS 24-17

    Jacksonville (plus 2 1/2) at Indianapolis

    Matt Ryan and the Colts (2-2-1) seek to get even for a 24-0 shutout in Week 2. The Jaguars (2-3) have stumbled lately.

    COLTS 23-16

    Cincinnati (minus 1 1/2) at New Orleans

    The defending AFC champion Bengals (2-3) try to even their record after another late loss. The Saints (2-3) look to do the same. Joe Burrow is the difference-maker in this one.

    BENGALS 24-20

    New England (plus 3) at Cleveland

    The Browns (2-3) gave up 238 yards rushing to the NFL’s worst rushing team. Facing that kind of run defense, the Patriots (2-3) don’t need Mac Jones.

    BROWNS 23-21

    Minnesota (minus 3) at Miami

    The Vikings (4-1) facing the Dolphins (3-2) and third-string quarterback Skylar Thompson seems like a mismatch.

    VIKINGS 23-17

    Baltimore (minus 5) at New York Giants

    After knocking off the Packers in London, the Giants (4-1) get no respect from oddsmakers. The Ravens (3-2) should be undefeated if they could hold big leads.

    RAVENS 33-20

    San Francisco (minus 5 1/2) at Atlanta

    Jimmy Garoppolo is the DJ Khaled of the NFL. All he does is win.

    49ERS 24-20

    Carolina (plus 10 1/2) at Los Angeles Rams

    Welcome back to head coaching duties, Steve Wilks.

    RAMS 34-6

    Arizona (minus 2 1/2) at Seattle

    Kyler Murray and the Cardinals (2-3) are far better on the road than at home under coach Kliff Kingsbury.

    CARDINALS 28-17

    Buffalo (minus 2 1/2) at Kansas City

    A potential preview of the AFC title game that could determine who hosts the game in January. Bills (4-1) look to get even for their playoff loss in Kansas City last season. The Chiefs (4-1) have a short week after a Monday night win.

    BILLS 30-27

    Dallas (plus 5) at Philadelphia

    The Eagles (5-0) face their toughest test as they aim to remain the only unbeaten team in the NFL.

    EAGLES 23-20

    Denver (plus 5 1/2) at Los Angeles Chargers

    Russell Wilson hasn’t given the Broncos (2-3) and their fans what they expected. Justin Herbert and the Chargers (3-2) are back on track.

    CHARGERS 24-20

    2022 RECORD

    Last Week: Straight up: 11-5. Against spread: 6-9-1.

    Season: Straight up: 49-31. Against spread: 40-39-1.

    Best Bet: Straight up: 1-0. Against spread: 1-0.

    Season: Straight up: 4-1. Against spread: 4-1.

    Upset Special: Straight up: 0-1. Against spread: 1-0.

    Season: Straight up: 2-3. Against spread: 3-2

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    Follow Rob Maaddi on Twitter at https://twitter.com/robmaaddi

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    More AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP—NFL

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  • Panthers fire Matt Rhule after 1-4 start; Wilks takes over

    Panthers fire Matt Rhule after 1-4 start; Wilks takes over

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers fired coach Matt Rhule on Monday, ending the former Baylor coach’s tenure five games into his third losing season.

    Rhule, the first NFL coach to be fired this season, went 11-27 with Carolina. The Panthers fell to 1-4 with Sunday’s 37-15 home loss to San Francisco as 49ers fans made Bank of America Stadium their East Coast home.

    Defensive pass game coordinator and secondary coach Steve Wilks will serve as interim coach for the rest of the season. The 53-year-old Wilks spent one year as Arizona’s head coach in 2018, going 3-13.

    Rhule did not immediately respond to voice and text messages on Monday.

    The 47-year-old Rhule was lured away from Baylor with a seven-year, guaranteed $62 million contract by David Tepper, the second-wealthiest owner in the NFL.

    Tepper was initially patient with Rhule following Sunday’s loss, but grew increasingly agitated and changed his mind on Monday.

    Rhule said after the game he didn’t want to discuss his job security because he didn’t want make it about himself.

    Rhule’s teams went 5-11 in 2020 and 5-12 last year.

    The Panthers hoped Rhule could turn things around in his third year as he did at Baylor and at Temple before that. The team had constant turnover at quarterback under Rhule, with Teddy Bridgewater as the starter in 2020 and Sam Darnold and Cam Newton getting starts last year.

    The Panthers traded for Baker Mayfield this offseason. But the 2018 No. 1 overall draft pick has been awful, ranking last in the NFL in ESPN’s total quarterback rating. Mayfield has completed 54.9% of his passes and is averaging fewer than 200 yards passing per game with four touchdowns and four interceptions.

    The poor play at the game’s most important position put unsustainable pressure on Carolina’s defense. Under Rhule, the Panthers were 1-27 when allowing an opponent to score 17 or more points.

    Mayfield injured his ankle in the loss to San Francisco and was in a walking boot after the game. It’s unclear if he will miss any time.

    Mayfield was one of several players who spoke out in support of Rhule.

    “We’re fine in the locker room when it comes to that,” Mayfield said. “There are a lot of plays that we just have to flat-out make — and he can’t do that. He can’t go make plays for us. He can’t do the execution for us.”

    This marks the second time in four years Tepper has fired a coach during the season. He let go of Ron Rivera, the winningest coach in franchise history, with four games left in 2019 with the Panthers at 5-7.

    The Panthers have not been to the playoffs since 2017 — the year before Tepper took over — and have not won a playoff game since winning the NFC championship in 2015 to reach the franchise’s second Super Bowl.

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    More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP—NFL

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