The San Francisco 49ers had their entire season derailed by injury after injury to their star players. Reigning offensive player of the year Christian McCaffery dealt with a lingering Achilles injury that forced him to miss the first game of the season, and the injury bug never made its way out of San Francisco’s locker room.
It wouldn’t be hard to blame the Niners if they were hesitant to fire their staff members after what was such a strange season, considering poor injury luck isn’t typically on the coaches.
However, the 49ers felt it was time to move on from one key coach regardless, according to one 49ers reporter.
“Nick Sorensen will not return as 49ers defensive coordinator, a league source said. The hope is that the 49ers can retain him on Kyle Shanahan’s staff. There are a few attractive options for the 49ers to now consider for the D.C. role,” reported Matt Maiocco on Tuesday.
Nick Sorensen will not return as 49ers defensive coordinator, a league source said. The hope is that the 49ers can retain him on Kyle Shanahan’s staff. There are a few attractive options for the 49ers to now consider for the D.C. role.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) January 8, 2025
Fans reacted to the news on social media.
“Watch us all get excited tonight and tomorrow find out Staleys getting promoted to DC,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“For those wishing for Saleh, he’s interviewing for head coaching roles and is otherwise staying on LaFleur’s staff,” one fan added.
“I hope we get a big boy DC. Salah or Anaromu would be great! Even a guy like Gus Bradley would be great!” added another fan.
It’ll be interesting to see who San Francisco tabs as a replacement.

About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.
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