Saints Hire Brandon Staley As DC
The Saints are hiring former Chargers head coach Brandon Staley as their next defensive coordinator, per Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.
Staley has been a top candidate for the Saints’ DC gig ever since Kellen Moore was hired as head coach. Moore was the Chargers’ offensive coordinator in 2023, Staley’s last season as head coach. Staley was fired before the end of the regular season and spent 2024 as an assistant head coach with the 49ers. He interviewed with the Saints last weekend and emerged as the favorite for the job, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
2025 will be Staley’s ninth season coaching in the NFL. He began his career at the college level before moving to the pros as an outside linebackers coach under Vic Fangio in Chicago (2017-2018) and Denver (2019). Staley was then hired by the Rams in 2020 as defensive coordinator. His defense finished first in total points and yards allowed, which helped him land the Chargers’ head-coaching gig after just one year as a coordinator.
Staley led the Chargers to a 9-8 record in his debut season with a top-five offense under second-year quarterback Justin Herbert. A 10-7 record in 2022 was enough for a playoff berth as a wild card, though the Chargers lost to the Jaguars in the first round. 2023 saw significant regression on both sides of the ball, leading to Staley’s firing after a 5-9 start. Of particular concern was the Chargers’ defensive struggles during his tenure; the team never finished higher than 20th in points or yards allowed across his three seasons.
Staley’s history with Fangio likely helped him land the job in New Orleans. Fangio is currently the Eagles’ defensive coordinator and worked with Moore in Philadelphia last season. The two led elite units on either side of the ball to a 14-3 record in the regular season and a victory in Super Bowl LIX. Staley will likely install a scheme similar to Fangio’s in New Orleans in an effort to turn around a Saints defense that allowed the third-most yards in the NFL in 2024.
The Saints may face criticism for their hiring process. Their other two candidates, Daronte Jones and Christian Parker, are both minorities. Given Staley’s early status as a frontrunner for the job, the Saints’ meetings with Jones and Parker could be seen as sham interviews that were only conducted so the team could comply with the NFL’s Rooney Rule.
New Orleans also considered some college coaches for their defensive coordinator vacancy, including Colorado DC Robert Livingston, per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. Here is a final update on their search:
- George Edwards, outside linebackers coach (Buccaneers): Mentioned as candidate
- Daronte Jones, defensive pass-game coordinator (Vikings): To interview 2/15
- Robert Livingston, defensive coordinator (University of Colorado): Was under consideration
- Christian Parker, passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach (Eagles): Interviewed 2/16
- Brandon Staley, assistant head coach (49ers): Hired
Saints Interviewing Two DC Candidates, Doug Nussmeier Today
4:18pm: Nussmeier’s interview will also take place today, Rapoport notes. As the Saints continue to move through their coordinator search process, a hire on both fronts could be made sometime in the coming days depending on how wide of a net the team casts.
12:20pm: The Saints and new head coach Kellen Moore continue to search for his first coordinators in New Orleans. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated tells us that the team will interview 49ers assistant head coach Brandon Staley and Eagles passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach Christian Parker for the defensive coordinator position today. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network adds that Eagles quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier will interview for the offensive coordinator role this week. 
Staley and Nussmeier have both already been mentioned as potential candidates for the two respective jobs. Staley was Moore’s boss in 2023 when the former served as the Chargers’ head coach. Staley was fired by the Chargers following two-plus seasons with the organization. He finished his head coaching stint with a 24-24 record, including a single one-and-done playoff appearance. Prior to his stint with the Chargers, Staley served as the defensive coordinator with the Rams in 2020. He also previously served as linebackers coach for the Broncos and Bears. Though Staley didn’t interview for any other defensive coordinator jobs this offseason, he was mentioned as a candidate for the role with his current team.
Nussmeier and Moore coached together in Dallas from 2018-22, with the former moving from tight ends coach to quarterbacks coach during that span. Moore brought Nussmeier with him to Los Angeles when he took over as Chargers offensive coordinator under Staley in 2023. That stint did not go especially well, but the Eagles allowed Moore to bring Nussmeier alongside him to Philadelphia, where Jalen Hurts led the team to a Super Bowl title. Before their time together in Dallas, Nussmeier served as an offensive coordinator for five college programs — including Alabama, Michigan, and Florida — from 2008-17.
Aside from his connections to Moore, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler points out that Nussmeier also has a familial connection to Louisiana. Nussmeier’s son, Garrett Nussmeier, is set to enter his second year as the starting quarterback at LSU in relatively nearby Baton Rouge. After finishing fifth in the nation in passing yards per game for the Tigers in 2024, Garrett is considered a top prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. There is one more connection, as well, as the elder Nussmeier’s only two years as an NFL quarterback saw him play in New Orleans.
Parker, 33, interviewed for the Patriots and Packers’ DC jobs last offseason, but likely due to the Eagles’ deep playoff run, he didn’t attend any interviews in this cycle. Before heading to Philadelphia last year, he was a valued staffer in Denver, working in the same defensive backs coaching role under Vic Fangio, Nathaniel Hackett, and Sean Payton. In Denver, Parker oversaw the likes of Justin Simmons and Patrick Surtain. In Philadelphia, Parker mentored a defense that allowed the fewest passing yards in the NFL last year due in part to rookie cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, who finished second and fourth, respectively, in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
Here is how the offensive coordinator search is shaping up so far:
- Kevin Koger, tight ends coach (Falcons): Rejected interview request
- Doug Nussmeier, quarterbacks coach (Eagles): Mentioned as candidate; To interview 2/16
- Kevin Patullo, pass-game coordinator (Eagles): Mentioned as candidate
- Robert Prince, receivers coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 2/15
And here’s a look at the defensive coordinator search:
- George Edwards, outside linebackers coach (Buccaneers): Mentioned as candidate
- Daronte Jones, defensive pass-game coordinator (Vikings): To interview 1/15
- Christian Parker, passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach (Eagles): Interviewed 2/16
- Brandon Staley, assistant head coach (49ers): Lead candidate?; Interviewed 2/16
Saints Expected To Name Kellen Moore As HC
FEBRUARY 11: Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirms the Moore hire should be finalized shortly (video link). He adds that Nussmeier is indeed the top name to watch regarding New Orleans’ offensive coordinator spot, while Staley is firmly in contention to handle defensive coordinator duties. In the wake of winning their second Super Bowl in franchise history, the Eagles will soon need to find a new OC.
FEBRUARY 9: Once Mike McCarthy withdrew his name from consideration for the Saints’ head coaching job – the only such vacancy that remains in this year’s cycle – Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore became the clear favorite for the post. As ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports, Moore is indeed expected to be named as New Orleans’ next HC.
Of course, Moore will first try to win a championship ring today as Philadelphia seeks to prevent a Chiefs three-peat and avenge its narrow loss to Kansas City in Super Bowl LVII. In Moore’s first (and likely only) year with the club, the Eagles finished seventh in points scored and eighth in total offense, a performance that bolstered his already strong head coaching stock.
In three of his four seasons as Cowboys offensive coordinator from 2019-22, Dallas ranked sixth or better in scoring, and Moore became a popular name on the head coaching circuit as a result. While he did not end up landing an HC gig, he never fell below the coordinator ranks, taking a job as the Chargers’ OC in 2023 before moving on to the Eagles in 2024. He was even rumored to be the frontrunner for the Dallas HC post that McCarthy (his former boss) just vacated, before Jerry Jones surprisingly pivoted to Brian Schottenheimer.
Given the Saints’ middling roster, uncertain quarterback situation, and familiar salary cap woes, the New Orleans opening is not considered an especially attractive one, so landing a sought-after candidate with strong credentials can reasonably be classified as a coup for GM Mickey Loomis & Co. One of Moore’s first tasks as the Saints’ sideline general will be to shape the club’s direction at quarterback, including how to proceed with incumbent Derek Carr .
Another clear indicator that Moore will remain in New Orleans after today’s Super Bowl in the Superdome is the fact that the 36-year-old was making calls to potential staffers prior to Super Bowl week (via FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz). ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler (subscription required) names 49ers assistant coach Brandon Staley and Buccaneers outside linebackers coach George Edwards as potential defensive coordinator candidates.
Staley was Moore’s boss in 2023 when the former served as the Chargers’ head coach, though neither he nor Edwards received a defensive coordinator interview this year. Just as the Eagles’ playoff success delayed Moore’s eligibility to join another club and may have forced the Cowboys to go in a different direction at head coach, that delay also could have prevented Moore from landing some of his preferred assistants.
Klayton Adams and Matt Eberflus, who recently accepted Dallas’ offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator jobs, respectively, were also seen as strong candidates for Moore’s first staff, according to Fowler. Eagles quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier, who has worked with Moore in Dallas, Los Angeles, and now Philadelphia, is seen as a potential OC option for the Saints if they move forward with the Moore hire.
2025 NFL Offensive/Defensive Coordinator Search Tracker
Last year, half the league changed up at offensive and defensive coordinator. As most HC-needy teams have now filled their open positions, the coordinator carousel has accelerated. Here is how the market looks now. When other teams make changes, they will be added to the list.
Updated 2-21-25 (1:59pm CT)
Offensive coordinators
Chicago Bears (Out: Chris Beatty)
- Declan Doyle, tight ends coach (Broncos): Hired
- Hank Fraley, offensive line coach (Lions): Rumored candidate; staying with Lions
- Bo Hardegree, quarterbacks coach (Titans): Interview requested
- David Shaw, senior personnel executive (Broncos): Interviewed 1/25
- Israel Woolfork, quarterbacks coach (Cardinals): Interview requested
Cleveland Browns (Out: Ken Dorsey)
- Darrell Bevell, quarterbacks coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/9
- Kevin Koger, tight ends coach (Falcons): Interviewed 1/10
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Saints): Interviewed 1/13
- Charles London, quarterbacks coach (Falcons): Interviewed
- Tommy Rees, tight ends coach (Browns): Promoted
Dallas Cowboys (Out: Brian Schottenheimer)
- Klayton Adams, offensive line coach (Cardinals): To be hired
- Ken Dorsey, former offensive coordinator (Browns): Mentioned as candidate
- Kevin Koger, tight ends coach (Falcons): Interviewed
- Scottie Montgomery, running backs coach (Lions): Interviewed
Detroit Lions (Out: Ben Johnson)
- John Morton, pass-game coordinator (Broncos): Hired
Houston Texans (Out: Bobby Slowik)
- Nick Caley, tight ends coach (Rams): Hired
- Brian Johnson, pass game coordinator (Commanders): Interview requested
- Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Interviewed 1/27
- Chip Kelly, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach (Ohio State): Team has interest
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Saints): Mentioned as candidate; hired by Seahawks
- Bill Lazor, senior offensive assistant (Texans): Interviewed 1/30
- Thad Lewis, quarterbacks coach (Buccaneers): Interviewed 1/28
- Ben McDaniels, wide receivers coach/pass-game coordinator (Texans): Mentioned as candidate
- Jeff Nixon, offensive coordinator (Syracuse): Interviewed 1/27
- Grant Udinski, assistant quarterbacks coach (Vikings): Interviewed 1/30
Jacksonville Jaguars (Out: Press Taylor)
- Chip Kelly, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach (Ohio State): Team has interest
- Tavita Pritchard, quarterbacks coach (Commanders): Interviewed 1/29
- Nate Scheelhaase, pass game specialist (Rams): Interviewed 1/29; seen as favorite; staying with Rams
- Grant Udinski, assistant quarterbacks coach (Vikings): Hired
Las Vegas Raiders
- Darrell Bevell, quarterbacks coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/28; frontrunner
- Bo Hardegree, quarterbacks coach (Titans): Mentioned as candidate
- Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Interviewed
- Chip Kelly, offensive coordinator (Ohio State): Hired
- David Shaw, senior personnel executive (Broncos): Mentioned as candidate; hired by Lions
New England Patriots (Out: Alex Van Pelt)
- Eric Bieniemy, former offensive coordinator (UCLA): Interviewed
- Marcus Brady, pass-game coordinator (Chargers): Interviewed 1/18
- Thomas Brown, interim head coach (Bears): Interviewed 1/14
- Josh McDaniels, former head coach (Raiders): Hired
- Tommy Rees, tight ends coach (Browns): Rumored candidate; promoted by Browns
- Grant Udinski, assistant quarterbacks coach (Vikings): Interviewed 1/21
New Orleans Saints (Out: Klint Kubiak)
- Kevin Koger, tight ends coach (Falcons): Rejected interview request
- Doug Nussmeier, quarterbacks coach (Eagles): Hired
- Kevin Patullo, pass-game coordinator (Eagles): Mentioned as candidate
- Robert Prince, receivers coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 2/15
- Jemal Singleton, assistant head coach/running backs coach (Eagles): Interviewed 2/17
New York Jets (Out: Nathaniel Hackett)
- Mark Brunell, quarterbacks coach (Lions): Mentioned as candidate
- Nick Caley, tight ends coach (Rams): Turned down interest
- Tanner Engstrand, pass-game coordinator (Lions): Hired
- Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Team to pursue interview
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Saints): Mentioned as candidate; hired by Seahawks
- Scott Turner, interim offensive coordinator (Raiders): Mentioned as candidate
Philadelphia Eagles (Out: Kellen Moore)
- Kevin Patullo, pass-game coordinator (Eagles): Promoted
San Francisco 49ers
- Klay Kubiak, pass-game specialist (49ers): Promotion expected
- Noah Pauley, wide receivers coach (Iowa State): Interviewed 1/13
Seattle Seahawks (Out: Ryan Grubb)
- Thomas Brown, interim head coach (Bears): Interviewed
- Hank Fraley, offensive line coach (Lions): Conducted second interview 1/21; staying with Lions
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Saints): Hired
- Byron Leftwich, former offensive coordinator (Buccaneers): Interviewed
- Adam Stenavich, offensive coordinator (Packers): Interviewed
- Travis Switzer, run-game coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed
- Grant Udinski, assistant quarterbacks coach (Vikings): Conducted second interview 1/17
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Out: Liam Coen)
- Marcus Brady, pass-game coordinator (Chargers): Interviewed 1/25
- Nick Caley, tight ends coach (Rams): Interviewed 1/27
- Josh Grizzard, pass-game coordinator (Buccaneers): Promoted
- Dave Ragone, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Interviewed 1/28
- Nate Scheelhaase, offensive assistant/passing game specialist (Rams): Interviewed 1/27
- Grant Udinski, assistant quarterbacks coach (Vikings): Interviewed 1/25
Defensive coordinators
Atlanta Falcons (Out: Jimmy Lake)
- Lou Anarumo, former defensive coordinator (Bengals): Interviewed 1/15
- Derrick Ansley, pass-game coordinator (Falcons): Interviewed 1/16
- Grady Brown, secondary coach (Steelers): Interviewed 1/17
- Matt Eberflus, former head coach (Bears): Interviewed 1/18
- Wink Martindale, defensive coordinator (Michigan): Interviewed 1/14
- Jeff Ulbrich, interim head coach (Jets): Hired
- Steve Wilks, former defensive coordinator (49ers): Interviewed 1/17
Chicago Bears (Out: Eric Washington)
- Dennis Allen, former head coach (Saints): Hired
- Lou Anarumo, former defensive coordinator (Bengals): Rumored candidate; hired by Colts
- Daronte Jones, defensive pass-game coordinator (Vikings): To interview
- Aubrey Pleasant, defensive pass-game coordinator (Rams): Interview requested
Cincinnati Bengals (Out: Lou Anarumo)
- DeMarcus Covington, defensive coordinator (Patriots): Interviewed
- Matt Eberflus, former head coach (Bears): Mentioned as candidate
- Al Golden, defensive coordinator (Notre Dame): Hired
- Patrick Graham, defensive coordinator (Raiders): Interviewed
- Wink Martindale, defensive coordinator (Michigan): Rumored candidate
Dallas Cowboys (Out: Mike Zimmer)
- Ryan Crow, outside linebackers coach (Dolphins): Interview requested
- Andre Curtis, safeties coach (Bears): Interviewed
- Matt Eberflus, former head coach (Bears): Hired
Detroit Lions (Out: Aaron Glenn)
- Larry Foote, inside linebackers coach (Buccaneers): Interviewed
- Kelvin Sheppard, linebackers coach (Lions): Promoted
Indianapolis Colts (Out: Gus Bradley)
- Dennis Allen, former head coach (Saints): Interviewed 1/17
- Lou Anarumo, former defensive coordinator (Bengals): Hired
- Ephraim Banda, safeties coach (Browns): Interviewed 1/10
- Wink Martindale, defensive coordinator (Michigan): Interviewed 1/15
- Steve Wilks, former defensive coordinator (49ers): Interviewed
Jacksonville Jaguars (Out: Ryan Nielsen)
- Anthony Campanile, linebackers coach/running game coordinator (Packers): Hired
- Jonathan Cooley, pass-game coordinator (Panthers): Interview requested
- Patrick Graham, former defensive coordinator (Raiders): Interviewed 1/27
- Daronte Jones, defensive pass-game coordinator (Vikings): Interviewed 1/27
- Aubrey Pleasant, defensive pass-game coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 1/28
Las Vegas Raiders
- Patrick Graham, defensive coordinator (Raiders): Retained
- Rob Leonard, defensive line coach (Raiders): Interviewed 1/27
- Karl Scott, pass-game coordinator (Seahawks): Interview requested
New England Patriots (Out: DeMarcus Covington)
- Ryan Crow, outside linebackers coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/21
- Terrell Williams, defensive line coach (Lions): Hired
New Orleans Saints (Out: Joe Woods)
- George Edwards, outside linebackers coach (Buccaneers): Mentioned as candidate
- Daronte Jones, defensive pass-game coordinator (Vikings): To interview 2/15
- Robert Livingston, defensive coordinator (University of Colorado): Was under consideration
- Christian Parker, passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach (Eagles): Interviewed 2/16
- Brandon Staley, assistant head coach (49ers): Hired
New York Jets (Out: Jeff Ulbrich)
- Chris Harris, former defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator (Titans): Interviewed 1/29
- Steve Wilks, former defensive coordinator (49ers): To be hired
San Francisco 49ers (Out: Nick Sorensen)
- Gus Bradley, former defensive coordinator (Colts): Rumored candidate
- Robert Saleh, former head coach (Jets): Hired
- Brandon Staley, assistant head coach (49ers): Mentioned as candidate
- Deshea Townsend, defensive backs coach (Lions): Interviewed 1/9
- Jeff Ulbrich, interim head coach (Jets): Rumored candidate
49ers Seeking New OC; Shanahan Still Calling Plays
JANUARY 10: NFL rules will not permit the 49ers to promote passing game specialist Klint Kubiak to offensive coordinator, per Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. Since the position was previously closed, San Francisco will have to conduct an open search process. Shanahan previously said that Kubiak has been the 49ers’ de facto OC for the last two years, but that will not allow the team to skirt league rules regarding hire processes.
Kubiak will certainly be the team’s top candidate for the job, but they will have to interview outside candidates in the coming weeks. That will have to include at least two minority candidates in accordance with the NFL’s Rooney Rule.
JANUARY 8: The 49ers are planning to promote Klay Kubiak to offensive coordinator, per NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco, though head coach Kyle Shanahan said that he will retain play-calling duties.
Kubiak, who was the offensive passing game specialist in 2024, will become the 49ers’ first coach since Mike McDaniel to hold the title.
There could be several reasons for Kubiak’s promotion. The title bump, which likely comes with a pay increase, may be an attempt to keep Kubiak from considering offensive coordinator jobs with other teams. Despite a myriad of injuries, the 49ers still finished with the fourth-most passing yards in the league this year, despite ranking 22nd in total passing attempts.
The 49ers could be trying to help their young coach’s career. A year of OC experience could increase Kubiak’s chances of drawing head coaching interest in next year’s hiring cycle. McDaniel was San Francisco’s offensive coordinator during the 2021 season before he was hired as the head coach in Miami.
Shanahan could also want to spend more time with the defense after falling to 29th in points allowed this season after three straight finishes in the top 10. He mentioned Brandon Staley – currently the 49ers’ assistant head coach – as an option to replace defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen, per the Bay Area News Group’s Cam Inman. Sorensen will not have a second year as DC, but could return to the team as special teams coordinator.
Since the 49ers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020, they will have more time to interview coaching candidates in the coming weeks.
49ers Rumors: Willis, Floyd, Ward
The 49ers have one of the NFL’s more complete rosters with few holes, if any. While tight end is certainly not a hole on the roster with George Kittle bringing his All-Pro talent to the offense, the team will be looking to fill in the depth behind him after the departures of Charlie Woerner and Ross Dwelley in free agency. Both former San Francisco backups signed with the Falcons this offseason.
According to Cam Inman of The Mercury News, second-year tight end Brayden Willis is making a case for the TE2 job in 2024. Willis, a seventh-round pick out of Oklahoma, was the second tight end the team drafted last year following Cameron Latu, whom the team drafted in the third round out of Alabama. While Latu spent his rookie season recovering from surgery to repair a torn ACL, Willis got depth experience with some special teams play and minimal snaps on offense.
The team does have some experience at the position in veteran free agent addition Eric Saubert, who can step in if Willis and Latu fail to make an impact during their sophomore campaigns. Local Cal-product Jake Tonges and Furman undrafted free agent Mason Pline serve as under the radar prospects at the position who will likely find their way to the practice squad. Some combination of Willis, Saubert, and Latu will likely be used to replace the backup production lost in Woerner and Dwelley’s departures.
Here are a few more rumors coming out of the Bay Area in recent weeks:
- San Francisco may have added the complimentary pass rusher across from Nick Bosa that they’ve been looking for this offseason in Leonard Floyd. That signing can be directly attributed to another offseason addition: the hiring of assistant head coach Brandon Staley. Staley worked directly with Floyd in Chicago as the Bears outside linebackers coach in 2017 and 2018 and in Los Angeles as the Rams defensive coordinator in 2020. With Staley’s backing, Floyd became a priority free agent target this offseason for the 49ers.
- Coming off of a second-team All-Pro season, cornerback Charvarius Ward is entering a contract year with the 49ers. In a recent interview on the Up & Adams show, Ward told Kay Adams that he’s “trying to get that bag.” He’s in no rush, though, as he said he’ll have to have his best year and, hopefully, get paid in 2025. He also shared an encouraging update on his injury status with Adams, telling her that he’ll “be ready for training camp for sure.”
Latest On 49ers Coaching Staff
The 49ers found their replacement for Steve Wilks this past weekend when they promoted defensive passing game specialist Nick Sorensen to defensive coordinator. While Sorensen has had a rapid rise through the organization in recent years, his ascent to DC could have happened even sooner.
[RELATED: 49ers Promote Nick Sorensen To DC, Add Brandon Staley To Staff]
According to Albert Breer of SI.com, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was so impressed by Sorensen’s first season in San Francisco that he considered promoting the coach to DC last offseason. Shanahan ultimately believed that Sorensen needed a bit more time to develop, leading the 49ers to hire Wilks as their replacement for DeMeco Ryans.
The 49ers have also brought in Brandon Staley for some experience on their defensive coaching staff. Breer passes along that the former Chargers head coach will serve as the 49ers new assistant head coach, confirming earlier reports.
One name that wasn’t a reported candidate for the job was Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. However, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports that “there was mutual interest in exploring a marriage,” with Ulbrich presumably being recruited to be the team’s new DC. Ultimately, the Jets made it clear that they weren’t going to let their coordinator take a lateral job elsewhere, and the 49ers never requested a formal request for an interview.
Ulbrich would have been a natural candidate for the job considering his connects to San Francisco. He grew up in the Bay Area and played 10 seasons for the 49ers organization. Further, as Rosenblatt notes, Ulbrich aspires to be a head coach one day, and two of San Francisco’s last three DCs ultimately earned head coaching jobs.
With Sorensen now in place as defensive coordinator, he’s starting to add to his staff. The team did add one notable name this week, with K.J. Wright announcing that he’s joining the 49ers as an assistant linebackers coach (via Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times). Wright, of course, spent a decade with the 49ers’ division rivals in Seattle, with the linebacker ranking third in Seahawks history in tackles.
Wright and Sorensen previously worked alongside each other with the Seahawks, as the coach spent close to a decade on Pete Carroll‘s staff. According to Michael-Shawn Dugar and David Lombardi of The Athletic, Wright also interviewed for a position on Mike Macdonald’s new Seahawks staff, but the organization ultimately decided to go in a different direction.
49ers Promote Nick Sorensen To DC, Add Brandon Staley To Staff
After eyeing five candidates for their open defensive coordinator job, the 49ers have landed on an in-house option. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the 49ers are promoting defensive passing game specialist Nick Sorensen to defensive coordinator. The 49ers are also hiring another DC candidate, Brandon Staley, for a “prominent staff role,” according to Schefter. That could include the role of assistant head coach.
Following a 10-year playing career, Sorensen transitioned to coaching in 2013. He spent close to a decade on the Seahawks staff, initially working as an assistant special teams coach before moving to the defensive side of the ball, where he served as the team’s secondary coach for four years.
The Jaguars hired him as their special teams coordinator in 2021, but he only lasted a season in Jacksonville before joining the 49ers as a defensive assistant in 2022. It took him one year to earn a promotion to defensive pass game coordinator/nickels coach.
While the 49ers cast a relatively wide net to replace Steve Wilks, the organization hinted that they were valuing continuity in their search. The 49ers also interviewed defensive backs coach Daniel Bullocks for the role, and Schefter notes that the organization didn’t want to “stray far from what it has done defensively for the past seven years.” In fact, Schefter adds that part of the reason why Wilks was fired was because of his inability to “adapt to the defensive scheme” of former 49ers squads led by Robert Saleh and DeMeco Ryans.
While Sorensen has only been on the staff for two seasons, he does possess familiarity with the team’s scheme. Pete Carroll ran a similar defense in Seattle, and Schefter notes that Sorensen’s experience was “perhaps most valuable” in his promotion.
Staley was fired by the Chargers back in December following two-plus seasons with the organization. He finished his head coaching stint with a 24-24 record, including a single one-and-done playoff appearance. Prior to his stint with the Chargers, Staley served as the defensive coordinator with the Rams in 2020. He also previously served as linebackers coach for the Broncos and Bears.
While Staley’s defensive scheme differs from the 49ers’ scheme, GM John Lynch said that wouldn’t prevent the coach from joining the staff.
“He’s a really bright dude,” Lynch said (via Schefter). “We have an open mind, but we do know there’s certain core principles that we’re going to always be on the defensive side. … I wouldn’t rule him out because of that.”
Staley is expected to be the team’s new assistant head coach, a role previously held by Anthony Lynn (who, ironically, was also a former Chargers HC). After spending the past two seasons in San Francisco, Lynn joined Dan Quinn‘s new Commanders staff as their run game coordinator/running backs coach.
49ers Complete DC Interviews With Brandon Staley, Nick Sorensen
In the wake of the team’s Super Bowl loss, 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks was dismissed. That has created the lone coordinator vacancy remaining in the NFL’s coaching cycle, but the process of filling it is underway. 
Head coach Kyle Shanahan informed NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco that a pair of DC interviews have already taken place. Those initial meetings have been with former Chargers head coach Brandon Staley, as well as 49ers defensive passing game specialist Nick Sorensen. Another internal option – defensive backs coach Daniel Bullocks – will likely interview for the position later this week, per Shanahan.
Staley saw his time at the helm of the Chargers come to an end midway through the 2023 campaign. His first HC opportunity did not go according to plan, but his reputation dating back to his time as a position coach and coordinator earned him multiple DC interviews. Staley spoke with the Packers, Rams and Dolphins about their respective vacancies. The San Francisco gig represents the 41-year-old’s final opportunity to land an NFL coordinator position in 2024.
Failing that, Staley could find a role as a position coach on an NFL staff, or he could take on a position in the NCAA ranks (having most recently coached in college during the 2016 campaign). Of course, the former Rams DC could spend a year off the sidelines altogether in a bid to return during the 2025 hiring cycle. San Francisco will also consider in-house options, though.
Sorenson transitioned from playing to coaching over one decade ago, taking his first opportunity with the Seahawks in 2013. He has primarily worked on the defensive side of the ball since then, though his background on special teams landed him the ST coordinator gig with the Jaguars in 2021. After a single season in Jacksonville, the 45-year-old joined the 49ers’ staff. The 2023 campaign was his first in his current capacity.
Bollocks has been in San Francisco since Shanahan’s arrival in 2017. He spent a pair of season as an assistant working with the team’s defensive backs before being promoted to the lead role. After bringing in Wilks from outside the organization, the 49ers could elect to stay in-house with his next hire by promoting one of Bollocks or Sorenson.
Shanahan added that at least two other external candidates are expected to be interviewed in the coming days, though. In all, two minority candidates must be considered to satisfy the Rooney Rule. The 49ers do not have any NFL competition for their DC vacancy, but a decision could be coming soon as the interview process continues.
2024 Offensive/Defensive Coordinator Search Tracker
After a crowded carousel previously stopped, the 49ers opened their defensive coordinator position. Here is how the NFC champions’ search looks:
Updated 3-2-24 (10:00am CT)
Offensive Coordinators
Atlanta Falcons (Out: Dave Ragone)
- Cortez Hankton, co-offensive coordinator (LSU): Interview requested
- Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Hired
Buffalo Bills (Out: Ken Dorsey)
- Joe Brady, interim offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach (Bills): Hired
- Thad Lewis, quarterbacks coach (Buccaneers): Interviewed
Carolina Panthers (Out: Thomas Brown)
- Marcus Brady, senior offensive assistant (Eagles): Interview requested
- Brad Idzik, wide receivers coach (Buccaneers): Hired
Chicago Bears (Out: Luke Getsy)
- Marcus Brady, senior offensive assistant (Eagles): Interview requested
- Thomas Brown, offensive coordinator (Panthers): Interviewed 1/17
- Liam Coen, offensive coordinator (Kentucky): Interviewed
- Kliff Kingsbury, senior offensive analyst (USC): Interviewed 1/18
- Klint Kubiak, pass-game coordinator (49ers): Interviewed
- Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator (Chargers): Interview blocked
- Greg Olson, quarterbacks coach (Seahawks): Interviewed
- Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Interviewed
- Greg Roman, former offensive coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed
- Shane Waldron, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Hired
Cincinnati Bengals (Out: Brian Callahan)
- Andy Dickerson, offensive line coach (Seahawks): To interview
- Dan Pitcher, quarterbacks coach (Bengals): Promoted
Cleveland Browns (Out: Alex Van Pelt)
- Andy Dickerson, offensive line coach (Seahawks): To interview
- Ken Dorsey, former offensive coordinator (Bills): Hired
- Brian Johnson, former offensive coordinator (Eagles): Interviewed 1/25
- Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Interviewed 1/23
- Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator (Chargers): Interview requested; hired as Eagles OC
Las Vegas Raiders (Out: Mick Lombardi)
- Eric Bieniemy, offensive coordinator (Commanders): Spoke recently
- Luke Getsy, former offensive coordinator (Bears): Hired
- Chip Kelly, former head coach (Eagles/49ers): Interviewed twice
- Thad Lewis, quarterbacks coach (Buccaneers): Interview requested
- Kliff Kingsbury, senior offensive analyst (USC): Withdrew from consideration
- Klint Kubiak, pass-game coordinator (49ers): May interview; hired as Saints OC
- Dan Pitcher, quarterbacks coach (Bengals): To interview 1/24; hired as Bengals OC
- Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Interview requested; hired as Falcons OC
- Mike Sullivan, quarterback coach (Steelers): Interviewed 1/25
- Alex Van Pelt, former offensive coordinator (Browns): Interviewed 1/25; hired as Patriots OC
- Shane Waldron, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Mentioned as candidate; hired as Bears OC
Los Angeles Chargers (Out: Kellen Moore)
- Marcus Brady, senior offensive assistant (Eagles): Hired as pass-game coordinator
- Greg Roman, former offensive coordinator (Ravens): Hired
New England Patriots (Out: Bill O’Brien)
- Thomas Brown, offensive coordinator (Panthers): Interviewed
- Nick Caley, tight ends coach (Rams): Conducted second interview 1/29
- Tanner Engstrand, pass-game coordinator (Lions): Interviewed
- Brian Fleury, tight ends coach (49ers): Interviewed
- Luke Getsy, former offensive coordinator (Bears): Interviewed 1/30
- Klint Kubiak, passing game coordinator (49ers): Interviewed
- Dan Pitcher, quarterbacks coach (Bengals): Interviewed 1/23; hired as Bengals OC
- Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Interview requested; hired as Falcons OC
- Scott Turner, passing game coordinator (Raiders): Interview expected
- Alex Van Pelt, former offensive coordinator (Browns): Hired
- Shane Waldron, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed; hired as Bears OC
New Orleans Saints (Out: Pete Carmichael)
- Ronald Curry, quarterbacks coach (Saints): Interviewed
- Luke Getsy, former offensive coordinator (Bears): Conducted second interview 1/31
- Brian Griese, quarterbacks coach (49ers): Interviewed
- Brian Johnson, former offensive coordinator (Eagles): Interviewed 1/29
- Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Conducted second interview 1/27
- Klint Kubiak, pass-game coordinator (49ers): Hired
- Greg Lewis, receivers coach (Ravens): To interview
- Dan Pitcher, quarterbacks coach (Bengals): Second interview on 1/24; hired as Bengals OC
- Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Interviewed; hired as Falcons OC
- Mike Sullivan, quarterbacks coach (Steelers): To interview
- Shane Waldron, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed; hired as Bears OC
Philadelphia Eagles (Out: Brian Johnson)
- Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Interviewed
- Kliff Kingsbury, senior offensive analyst (USC): Interviewed 1/23
- Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator (Chargers): Hired
Pittsburgh Steelers (Out: Matt Canada)
- Thomas Brown, offensive coordinator (Panthers): Interviewed 1/24
- Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Interviewed 1/26
- Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Interview requested; hired as Falcons OC
- Arthur Smith, former head coach (Falcons): Hired
Seattle Seahawks (Out: Shane Waldron)
- Eric Bieniemy, former offensive coordinator (Commanders): Rumored candidate
- Tanner Engstrand, pass-game coordinator (Lions): Interview requested
- Ryan Grubb, offensive coordinator (Alabama): Expected to be hired
- Mike Kafka, offensive coordinator (Giants): Interview blocked
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Out: Dave Canales)
- Liam Coen, offensive coordinator (Kentucky): Hired
- Ken Dorsey, former offensive coordinator (Bills): To interview
- Tanner Engstrand, pass-game coordinator (Lions): To interview
- Brian Johnson, former offensive coordinator (Eagles): Interviewed 1/30
- Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Interviewed 1/30
- Thad Lewis, quarterbacks coach (Buccaneers): Interviewed 1/31
- Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator (Chargers): To interview 1/29; hired as Eagles OC
- Jake Peetz, pass-game specialist (Rams): Interviewed 2/1
- Antwaan Randle El, wide receivers coach (Lions): Interviewed 1/26
- Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Interview requested; hired as Falcons OC
- John Van Dam, tight ends coach (Buccaneers): To interview
- Alex Van Pelt, former offensive coordinator (Browns): Interviewed 1/29
Tennessee Titans (Out: Tim Kelly)
- Nick Holz, passing game coordinator (Jaguars): Hired
- Thad Lewis, quarterbacks coach (Buccaneers): Interviewed
- Eric Studesville, associate head coach/running backs coach (Dolphins): Interview requested
Washington Commanders (Out: Eric Bieniemy)
- Chip Kelly, former head coach (Eagles/49ers): On team’s radar
- Kliff Kingsbury, senior offensive analyst (USC): Hired
Defensive Coordinators
Atlanta Falcons (Out: Ryan Nielsen)
- Sean Desai, former defensive coordinator (Eagles): To interview
- Aden Durde, defensive line coach (Cowboys): Interview requested
- Jimmy Lake, former head coach (Washington): Hired
Baltimore Ravens (Out: Mike Macdonald)
- Zach Orr, inside linebackers coach (Ravens): Promoted
Buffalo Bills
- Bobby Babich, linebackers coach (Bills): Promoted
- Mike Caldwell, former defensive coordinator (Jaguars): Interviewed
- Sean Desai, former defensive coordinator (Eagles): To interview
Chicago Bears (Out: Alan Williams)
- Joe Barry, former defensive coordinator (Packers): To interview 1/27
- Chris Harris, secondary coach (Titans): To interview
- Eric Washington, assistant head coach/defensive line coach (Bills): Hired
- Terrell Williams, assistant head coach/defensive line coach (Titans): To interview
Dallas Cowboys (Out: Dan Quinn)
- Aden Durde, defensive line coach (Cowboys): Interviewed 2/6
- Al Harris, cornerbacks coach (Cowboys): Mentioned as candidate
- Marquand Manuel, safeties coach (Jets): To interview 2/8
- Ron Rivera, former head coach (Commanders): Interviewed 2/5
- Rex Ryan, former head coach (Bills): Interviewed; team still interested
- Joe Whitt, defensive backs coach (Cowboys): Frontrunner?; hired as Commanders DC
- Mike Zimmer, former head coach (Vikings): Hired
Green Bay Packers (Out: Joe Barry)
- Bobby Babich, linebackers coach (Bills): To interview; hired as Bills DC
- Aden Durde, defensive line coach (Cowboys): Interview requested
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Rumored candidate
- Jeff Hafley, head coach (Boston College): Hired
- Chris Harris, secondary coach (Titans): Rumored candidate
- Zach Orr, linebackers coach (Ravens): Interviewed 1/31
- Christian Parker, defensive backs coach (Broncos): Interviewed 1/25
- Aubrey Pleasant, defensive backs coach (Rams): Rumored candidate
- Brandon Staley, former head coach (Chargers): Interviewed 1/26
- Dennard Wilson, defensive backs coach (Ravens): Interview requested
Jacksonville Jaguars (Out: Mike Caldwell)
- Shane Bowen, defensive coordinator (Titans): Interviewed
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Interview blocked
- Chris Harris, defensive backs coach (Titans): Interviewed
- Chris Hewitt, pass-game coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed
- Marquand Manuel, safeties coach (Jets): Interviewed 1/18
- Don Martindale, former defensive coordinator (Giants): Interviewed 1/16-1/17
- Ryan Nielsen, defensive coordinator (Falcons): Hired
Los Angeles Chargers (Out: Derrick Ansley)
- Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator (Michigan): Hired
Los Angeles Rams (Out: Raheem Morris)
- Aden Durde, defensive line coach (Cowboys): Interview requested
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Mentioned as candidate
- Aubrey Pleasant, defensive backs coach (Rams): Expected to interview
- Ron Rivera, former head coach (Commanders): Interviewed
- Chris Shula, inside linebackers coach (Rams): Promoted
- Brandon Staley, former head coach (Chargers): Interviewed 1/30
- Dennard Wilson, defensive backs coach (Ravens): To interview
Miami Dolphins (Out: Vic Fangio)
- Bobby Babich, linebackers coach (Bills): Interview requested
- Anthony Campanile, inside linebackers coach (Dolphins): Interviewed
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Interview blocked
- Leslie Frazier, former defensive coordinator (Bills): Interviewed 1/30
- Chris Kiffin, linebackers coach (Texans): To interview
- Chris Shula, linebackers coach/pass-rush coordinator (Rams): To interview 2/1
- Ryan Slowik, outside linebackers coach (Dolphins): Interview expected
- Brandon Staley, former head coach (Chargers): Interviewed
- Anthony Weaver, defensive line coach (Ravens): Hired
New England Patriots
- DeMarcus Covington, defensive line coach (Patriots): Promoted
- Michael Hodges, linebackers coach (Saints): To interview
- Tem Lukabu, outside linebackers coach (Panthers): To interview
- Christian Parker, defensive backs coach (Broncos): Interviewed
New York Giants (Out: Don Martindale)
- Derrick Ansley, defensive coordinator (Chargers): Interviewed
- Bobby Babich, linebackers coach (Bills): Interview requested; promoted to Bills DC
- Shane Bowen, defensive coordinator (Titans): To be hired
- Anthony Campanile, linebackers coach (Dolphins): Interview requested
- Brendan Daly, linebackers coach (Chiefs): Interviewed
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Interview blocked
- Daronte Jones, defensive pass game coordinator (Vikings): Interviewed
- Dennard Wilson, defensive backs coach (Ravens): To conduct second interview; hired as Titans DC
Philadelphia Eagles (Out: Sean Desai)
- Mike Caldwell, former defensive coordinator (Jaguars): Interviewed
- Vic Fangio, former defensive coordinator (Dolphins): Hired
- Ron Rivera, former head coach (Commanders): Interviewed 1/22
San Francisco 49ers (Out: Steve Wilks)
- Gerald Alexander, safeties coach (Raiders): Interviewed 3/1
- Daniel Bullocks, defensive backs coach (49ers): Interviewed 2/28
- David Merritt, defensive backs coach (Chiefs): To interview
- Nick Sorensen, defensive passing game specialist (49ers): Promoted
- Brandon Staley, former head coach (Chargers): Interviewed
Seattle Seahawks (Out: Clint Hurtt)
- Joe Cullen, defensive line coach (Chiefs): Mentioned as candidate
- Aden Durde, defensive line coach (Cowboys): Hire expected
Tennessee Titans (Out: Shane Bowen)
- Brandon Lynch, cornerbacks coach (Browns): Interviewed 1/30
- Dennard Wilson, defensive backs coach (Ravens): Hired
Washington Commanders (Out: Jack Del Rio)
- Joe Cullen, defensive line coach (Chiefs): Considered a candidate
- Joe Whitt, defensive backs coach (Cowboys): Hired

