The San Francisco 49ers have parted ways with Nick Sorensen, their defensive coordinator, as part of a coaching staff overhaul. While the team hopes to retain Sorensen in another capacity, specifics remain uncertain. This change marks the third coordinator in three seasons, following the firing of Steve Wilks last February. Coach Kyle Shanahan aimed to restore dominance to the defense, which declined significantly this season.

Under Sorensen's leadership, the 49ers ranked poorly across various defensive metrics, finishing 29th in scoring defense and allowing 25.6 points per game. Despite receiving support throughout the season, the team's performance eroded, culminating in 116 points allowed in three losses.

Linebacker Fred Warner defended Sorensen, attributing the defensive struggles to player execution rather than coaching. Sorensen could transition to special teams coordinator, a position recently vacated, given his previous experience. The 49ers now face the task of finding a new defensive coordinator, with candidates including former coaches Robert Saleh and Gus Bradley, along with internal options such as Brandon Staley.