The winds of change continue to blow through the San Francisco 49ers organization. Just two days after firing special teams coordinator Brian Schneider, the Niners have now dismissed defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen after a single season at the helm, according to a source familiar with the situation. The team is hoping to retain Sorensen in a different role, but his stint leading the defense is over.
Sorensen’s firing comes on the heels of a disappointing defensive showing in 2024. San Francisco, traditionally one of the most feared and dominant defenses in the NFL, took a notable step back in several key categories:
- 29th in scoring defense (25.6 points allowed per game)
- 20th in defensive efficiency (47.32)
- 26th in opposing quarterback rating allowed (58.5)
Perhaps most concerning was the unit’s inability to generate takeaways, something that had been a calling card in previous seasons under former coordinators Robert Saleh and DeMeco Ryans. The 49ers managed a meager 17 takeaways, tied for 20th in the league. Even more shocking, they forced just two turnovers total over the final nine games after returning from their bye week.
I learn all the time. I’m harder on myself probably than anyone ever can [be], anything you guys or anyone could say. It starts with are we winning the game? Obviously, I want our defense to be top-notch and to be the best that we can be and grow and get better.
– Nick Sorensen on his performance as defensive coordinator
Head coach Kyle Shanahan and the players consistently voiced support for Sorensen throughout the season, but a dreadful finish that saw the defense surrender 116 points over the final three losses sealed his fate. While the Niners brass deliberates on whether to shift Sorensen to a new role on staff, potentially as special teams coordinator, the search begins for the team’s third defensive coordinator in as many seasons.
Potential Candidates to Replace Sorensen
As San Francisco looks to restore their defensive dominance, several intriguing candidates could be in the mix:
Jeff Ulbrich
Ulbrich served as interim head coach for the New York Jets after Robert Saleh’s firing and was a strong candidate for the 49ers DC job last offseason. As a former 49er himself, he would bring familiarity and continuity.
Gus Bradley
Recently let go by the Indianapolis Colts, Bradley has long been on Shanahan’s radar. His defensive scheme would be a seamless fit in San Francisco.
Internal Promotions
Defensive pass game specialist and assistant head coach Brandon Staley or defensive backs coach Daniel Bullocks could get the nod after interviewing for the position last year. Elevating from within would maintain stability and alignment with Shanahan’s vision.
Whichever direction the 49ers choose, it’s clear that recapturing their defensive identity and returning to the NFL’s elite will be the top priority. The pressure is on Shanahan and the next coordinator to quickly get this unit back on track as San Francisco aims to re-establish itself as a perennial contender in an increasingly competitive NFC West.
The Sorensen era may have been short-lived, but his impact, for better or worse, will reverberate into a critical 2025 season for the red and gold. As another offseason of significant change unfolds, the 49er Faithful anxiously await the next leader of their once-vaunted defense, hoping they can bring back the swagger and dominance that defined the franchise’s glory days.
