Why PFF considers 49ers’ Steve Wilks a top 10 defensive coordinator

Pro Football Focus released its list of the NFL’s top 10 defensive coordinators entering the 2023 season. The San Francisco 49ers are on their third defensive coordinator in four years, with Robert Saleh leaving to be the head coach of the New York Jets in 2021 and DeMeco Ryans departing to be the head coach of the Houston Texans this offseason.

Former NFL head coach Steve Wilks replaces Ryans. San Francisco’s new defensive coordinator just made the cut on Pro Football Focus’ top 10 list, coming in at No. 10.

“Wilks was the defensive passing game coordinator and secondary coach for the Carolina Panthers in 2022 before taking over as the interim head coach following Matt Rhule’s firing,” wrote analyst Trevor Sikkema. “The Panthers opted to go elsewhere at head coach, but the Niners, with a recent defensive coordinator vacancy, scooped Wilks up.

“It was a tough season for Wilks, who was put in an unfavorable spot when he took over in Carolina. But he has 14 years of experience in the league and should keep that Niners defense playing at a high level in 2023.”

Wilks doesn’t plan to make sweeping changes to the 49ers defense, a unit that was the best in the NFL last season. However, he does plan to put his stamp on game plans.

“Well, I have, number one, a very aggressive personality,” Wilks recently shared. “But I think you have to be selective when you do certain things, whether it’s throughout the game or each week. But I don’t want to be a defense that’s going to sit back and react to the offense. I want to be aggressive and have those guys react to us and sort of dictate the momentum of the game.”

While his background focused heavily on defensive backs, Wilks inherits a defensive line that includes NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa, veteran Arik Armstead, and free-agent prize Javon Hargrave. How does he feel about coaching such a talented group?

“Very excited,” the coach responded. “And my background as a defensive back coach, I’ve always, I guess you can say, saw the big picture when I started in this game with Lovie Smith, with the Chicago Bears. We started up front with our defensive line, and that was the difference.

“So I learned at an early age it doesn’t really matter the talent level that you have on the back if you’re not successful up front. And we’ve made that commitment here.”