Some NFL teams, players, and even coaches abide by the ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’ motto.
Recently, the San Francisco 49ers reportedly wanted to pull off something similar to that.
According to a report by Dan Graziano of ESPN, they actually explored hiring Steve Spagnuolo to become their next defensive coordinator.
Apparently, John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan wanted to make a run at Spagnuolo shortly after losing to him and the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, but that wasn’t possible (Via Dov Kleiman).
The #49ers ‘explored’ hiring #Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo to be their defensive coordinator shortly after their Super Bowl loss, per @DanGrazianoESPN
KC quickly signed Spagnuolo to a new deal that is expected to pay him ~$5 million per season. pic.twitter.com/bRSzZrEnHf
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 3, 2024
The Chiefs were swift to secure Spagnuolo for the long run, signing him to a very lucrative contract extension.
The Niners didn’t wait long before parting ways with Steve Wilks.
That’s despite the fact that the Niners’ defense held it’s own for most of the Super Bowl, and Shanahan’s decision to get the ball first in overtime was highly questionable.
Some believed the Niners would later go after former head coaches like Rex Ryan or Bill Belichick to serve as their next defensive coordinators, but that wasn’t the case.
Instead, they wound up promoting assistant Nick Sorensen.
They have one of the most talented defensive units in the game, and they should continue to be the biggest powerhouse in the NFC next season.
Now, however, all eyes will be on Shanahan, and he could be on the hot seat if they fail to take care of business again next season.
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