Stephen A. SURPRISED by 49ers decision to FIRE DC Steve Wilks after one season 🍿| First Take

On First Take, Stephen A. Smith and Damien Woody react to the news of Steve Wilks getting fired as the defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers after just one season with the team.
0:00 Shanahan on Wilks' decision
5:00 Bad look for Shanahan?
8:00 Stephen A. on Kliff Kingsbury
#espn #nfl #49ers #firsttake
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[@Moemoe51474]

Steve Wilks needs to go on Club Shay Shay asap!

[@zachariahsmith6937]

😂😂😂

[@chillpanda1819]

😂😂😂

[@drxppy4l792]

Ongggggg😂😂😂😂

[@levelupbullycamp4000]

Facts go spill the beans wilks 😂😂

[@mariojune1084]

And he will never work again.

[@dd8627]

He was the scapegoat

[@RandallGay-qx1uc]

The black coaches will always be the scape goat.

[@aaronavant6311]

​@@RandallGay-qx1ucsadly that is true. Even tho his scheme was the reason y the had the lead for majority of that game

[@strawberryreacts9585]

​@@RandallGay-qx1uc49ers are known for minority hiring. In fact just days before the SB other teams were complaining that the 49ers get so many compensatory picks from their staff getting HC or GM positions. This had nothing to do with race and more to do with it just not being a good fit for the team

[@ForgivenRedemption]

He failed at the highest level in an idiotic manner . . . he deserved to be fired. Doesn't matter if the man is purple...@@RandallGay-qx1uc

[@RandallGay-qx1uc]

@@ForgivenRedemption b.s Kyle should have been fired also especially when the players came out and said that they did not know the over time rules this falls on Kyle was not preparing his players this is the same guy that was with the falcons as oc when they blew that 28 to 3 lead against new England in the Superbowl.

[@darthmaul1396]

How is Shanahan never held accountable lolol

[@devynnwoods]

Spoken like someone with NO CLUE about Football

[@WizzRacing]

Because the 49ers owner is afraid too...I would have to look at his contract buyout as well, if they did fire him...

[@pandemicboyz]

@@devynnwoodsso 3 superbowls with double digit leads & losing all them don’t mean nothing ? He should be held accountable

[@wesleyvillatoro92]

rhymes with bin bolor..

[@kracusomniax3933]

@@devynnwoods WOW I guess you mean OC cause he was the DC

[@JairAscencioBrooks-Davis]

Last time I checked Steve Wilks' defense had an interception on Patrick Mahomes to open the third quarter.... What did Shanahan's offense do in GREAT FIELD POSITION? They didn't score.....

[@nagille6731]

Last time I check his defense could not hold Pat to field goal to go into another quarter.yet Pat got touchdown on a play call corndog..take your skin color bias out of it.

[@JairAscencioBrooks-Davis]

@@nagille6731What does skin and race have to do with it? That's pure ignorance on your part.... Kyle Shanahan has blown three Super Bowls and he had double digit leads in all of them..... The fact his high powered offense went stagnant is baffling in the fashion of how they did it. How much more could Wilks' defense have done against the best Quarterback in the league? The offense needed to put up points when they had the chances

[@freshprincetk]

CMC was probably thinking wtf am I? Chopped liver? Dude had 2 touches

[@makhabzaranamane6869]

You cant watch that game and put it on the defence. That's crazy talk. @@nagille6731

[@tramonhampton1425]

@@nagille6731imagine bringing skin color into a conversation that wasn’t needed just face the facts Kyle should be fired and it’s not because of his skin color goofy 😂😂 the excuses for this man is ridiculous

[@frankhortoniv3739]

As a panther fan, anytime I see Steve Wilks name I get mad. We should have kept that man

[@unc54]

Why? Wilks was mediocrity personified.

[@frankhortoniv3739]

@@unc54 wtf, you can’t tell you didn’t watch those games. We had horrible product dude, he didn’t have a fair chance and we played better after we fired Rhule. Some of y’all are just stupid

[@unc54]

@@frankhortoniv3739 Sorry I wasn't enthusiastic about mid. Also funny you accuse me of not watching games when anyone who was actually watching could tell you that Wilks lost us some games with his coaching decisions. Dude punted on the other team's 40 in an elimination game but you want to tell me he was the right guy

[@ROMUDEAR]

@@unc54if you’re a Panthers fan you’re definitely a fan of not just mediocrity but of losers. 😂 the Panthers haven’t been ish since the first 2 seasons of Cam being there. They sucked him dry and kicked him to the curb, tried to do the same to CMC but thankfully he got traded. Wilkes should have been given an opportunity to try and build something. How you blame someone for piecing together plays for a team he never had control of halfway during the season and he still got you further than you would have ever sniffed says a lot about you. Hold this L, you’re used to it and that all you’ll ever know.

[@jimihendrix5195]

I'm a Panthers fan, historically, I haven't rocked with em since new ownership and they did Cam dirty. Steve didn't get a fair shot in Carolina but did what he could with what we had. Sucks for Steve.

[@jsanders9975]

Shanahan ran the ball like 5 times in the 2nd half. That's not the defense.

[@user-zc3fs3gg8j]

weird man

[@shanemccarthy3170]

Averaging 3 yards a carry on your first 10 runs with a fumble will force you away from just running game

[@jsanders9975]

@@shanemccarthy3170 First 10 runs. You keep at it especially in the 2nd half when the other team is fatigued and also to control the clock. Poor execution on offense but let's scapegoat the defense.

[@mcahtme2977]

Same thing Lions did smh

[@LD-jb5zi]

Crazy bro

[@derrickjones3505]

He was the scape goat 100%. If the offense could've scored TDs instead of settling for a FG during the biggest drives of their season, they'd be Super Bowl Champs. Everyone in the country knew they would lose kicking a FG and giving Mahomes a chance

[@strawberryreacts9585]

I believe he would have been let go even if they had won. The defense took a step back this year and underperformed all year.

[@user-ft5vq1ki9y]

if everyone knew why did the teams go out and play that last drive? I'm sure you're a millionaire by now since you can predict the future.

[@entreri76x]

The same thing can be said about the defense.. if the defense stops the Chiefs at the end of regular time, the 49ers are champions.. same thing in overtime.. if the 49ers defense makes the stop, they win the Super Bowl. It didn’t happen.. Patrick drives down 78 yards and throws a wide-open touchdown pass to a guy that had time to tie his own cleats.

[@bobgodd]

This wasn't just about the super bowl... Not sure why people keep saying that. Y'all clearly didn't watch Niner football this year.

[@Fernando_616]

His defense was atrocious the last two drives, gave them first downs and those scores

[@Dashawn.B]

The last 6 super bowls the losing team kept the defensive coordinator or they got a head coaching job. Steve Wilks the only one to get fired. This is wrong.

[@veronicawhitfield6008]

That part

[@nofoxmedia]

When the niners win all I hear is how much of a genius Kyke is. How do you get all the credit but none of the blame?

[@wezzman1]

Exactly....

[@jeanfourcade]

Shanahan's "offensive genius" label is great marketing. See how often he is introduced as such by the talking heads. The media got the memo from the NFL: keep hyping Shanahan's, it makes the NFC more interesting.

[@PeaceFan1]

Kyle SHOULD HAVE Fired the OFFENSIVE LINE Coach, who didn't have ANYONE Block CHRIS JONES on that 3rd and 4, which Cost the 49er's the Game!!!!

[@strawberryreacts9585]

Chris Foerster is actually a great oline coach...he needs actual talent outside of Trent Williams on that line. Oline should be there first 2-3 draft picks

[@nextbigthing2917]

I mean it’s Chris jones he is bound to make a play at some point can’t do the what ifs.

[@sly0422]

Well the QB can slide the protection 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@Jacobb..]

Replace that whole dam band Aid oline besides Trent Williams. Sick of seeing that online get crumbled 😂 for 5 straight seasons

[@josephgonsalves8579]

that is the truth

[@LovedByYou]

Stephen A is absolutely 💯 right. Every word, the double standard is WILDDDDD

[@corvus2512]

As a resident of Atlanta I can’t help but agree I’ll never forgive that man for giving that SB away! Justice for Wilks!

[@julius.shambles7]

Ngl SAS made a great point, “you’ve got a team that spent, 57+ minutes holding the Kansas City Chiefs. To under 20 points and you can’t win the game, but Steve Wilks is out of a job and you keep yours” 🤔🤔

[@ecpracticesquad4674]

I’ve watch that game 3-4 times now. As a KC fan, I didn’t see the defense as the reason SF lost. They got 2 TOs and held KC to 19 points in regulation. That firing surprised me

[@Banko1136]

& 7 of those points was because of a muffed punt

[@ryanj3975]

It really wasn't really about the Super Bowl. Aside from the last drive, that was a good game for him. This came as no surprise to Niners fans though. It's been coming for most of the season. Our defense slid in many important categories and a lot of it had to do with Wilks scheme. He just didn't fit.

[@Hopkins8564]

@@ryanj3975what?

[@ryanj3975]

@@Hopkins8564 Care to elaborate on your question? What specifically confused you?

[@JB-ty8mv]

Shanahan is a Golden Boy. Anyone else in today's fast pace environment would have been fired due to the expectations of winning super bowls and not conference titles.

[@unc54]

Who is anyone else? Look at the HCs around the league and tell me who has accomplished more than Shanahan since he became an HC. I count 3.

[@gilbertbrown4183]

​@@unc54Shanahan is coaching because of his last name. The good Ole boy league will continue.

[@unc54]

@@gilbertbrown4183 Got it, you don't have an answer so you're just deflecting.

[@monochrome493]

​@@unc54Kyle is Philadelphia ANDY REED!!!😊

[@monochrome493]

​@@unc54KYLE SHANNAHAN is PHILADELPHIA ANDY REED, TAMPA BAY TONY DUNGY

[@tomszymanski]

That team needed a scapegoat.

[@Moistcheeks1]

It's just not a good look. At the end of the day, there are 20 to 25 teams that would kill to have that kind of defense. Hope he gets a chance with a team that deserves him.

[@cgruthless49erstalk58]

How? 49ers under Shanahan didn't have issues with previous DC. He either didn't fit well. Players even complain. Behind the scenes with friction

[@ROMUDEAR]

⁠@@cgruthless49erstalk58Shanahan didn’t have a problem with his defense before he hired him. How do you hire someone who you fundamentally have issues with. The 49ers have had a so called juggernaut defense that everyone was celebrating the whole season. They lose the superbowl because they couldn’t get any points on the board and the DC gets fired? He will get another job as a DC because he’s good at his job. How do you know about players complaining behind the scenes? Do you work there? Do you know anyone that works there? No, you’re making that stuff up to justify your d***a** take.

[@unc54]

The 49ers defense is probably the most talented unit in the NFL. They went from elite last year to just good this year with the only notable change being coaching. And for a contender, those margins matter.

[@ROMUDEAR]

@@unc54 Lies!! That 49ers defense was all anyone could talk about this whole season. Now they lose the SB and it’s all the defenses fault. How? If it wasn’t for the defense KC would have stomped you. They kept the score low and kept giving your offense opportunities to put points on the board but golden boy couldn’t do it. Your take doesn’t make sense.

[@scrotumscratcher2474]

@@ROMUDEARyou’re delusional. They went from the 2nd best defense in football last year to quite literally middle of the pack. That all comes down to coaching and schemes. He didn’t fit and it’s really not that deep so quit trying to make it a personal attack with every response

[@rossfilivaa7133]

Coach Shanahan: I didnt do my job, I choked when it mattered the most! I dont have what it takes

[@jeanfourcade]

Shanahan certainly folded under pressure, even with a subtantial lead. This defeat is about not puting points on the board and not using your best offensive assets (McCaffrey, Ayuk, Kittle). It's 100% on Shanahan.

[@deshaun9096]

In the superbowl against the best QB ever, he led a defense that gave up 12 points in regulation (7 was scored after a muffed punt), and he gets fired. That's crazy

[@cutehumor]

Brady is the best qb ever

[@mrwonderful7815]

Without Dre Greenlaw!!

[@DangleSan]

Purdy went 3-12 on 3rd down Started the 3rd Qtr with three 3&outs including the Mahomes INT that got them the ball@the Chiefs 45, and this passing chart perfectly explains why Aiyuk was enraged, Purdy couldn't complete a pass outside the numbers to save his life just look at the chart passing chart from the game They Scape goating Wilks

[@deerccreed4621]

Held them scoreless in the first half too and the offense didn’t do anything

[@shanemccarthy3170]

Super bowl is 1 game. Kyle lost confidence in him after the vikings game. 9ers defence is good because of the studs they drafted and signed not Steve Wilks

[@lanceneol865]

Wilks holds Mahomes to 19 points. And Kyle's "high powered offense" got stood up over and over. Barely made it into the redzone.

[@DangleSan]

Purdy went 3-12 on 3rd down Started the 3rd Qtr with three 3&outs including the Mahomes INT that got them the ball@the Chiefs 45, and this passing chart perfectly explains why Aiyuk was enraged, Purdy couldn't complete a pass outside the numbers to save his life just look at the passing chart from the game Steve Wilks being scape goated

[@jakeaguas]

@@DangleSanblaming Purdy and not Steve wilks shitty zone call 💀

[@sirbillthegreat8871]

Howabout against Detroit and packer

[@wezzman1]

​@@jakeaguasShanahan didn't know OT rules....not much of a genius after all is he 🙄

[@luciodeleon1998]

Now the pressure is more on San Francisco and Kyle Shanahan, even more Pressure than Dallas for sure.

[@keishajohnson5335]

Raheem or Antonio Pierce, DeMeco Ryan, please hire Steve Wilkes.

[@calvintillman9250]

That’s the move?

[@southsidetone]

all the assistant coaches probably been hired already. wilks will bounce back

[@Lukasafer]

Low key hoping the hawks offer him a job

[@nagille6731]

Why because he black? Or because he could not hold chiefs to a field goal at end of game! And get beat by a play call corndog.lol ridiculous

[@lubabalomengu8311]

​@@nagille6731held the Chiefs to 1 TD in regulation, from a short field, from a muffed punt.... The offense didn't capitalize on two turnovers. Oh, did all that after he lost one of the best defensive players in the league. Yeah, it's his fault 🤡

[@M-.-Jones]

Being in coverer zero twice without disguising it was a big mistake on his part. Then again, your head coach was clearly hiding incompetence behind analytics.

[@mml3140]

Wasn't there a timeout before the last one causing confusion ? I don't think he wanted cover 0 in that spot but then had to change it up.

[@crittoneida958]

Keyshawn made that same back to back cover 0 plays point on undisputed....why run that vs Mahomes?

[@mahleezy]

Why would you pull a center on an RPO jet sweep that's lined up against Chris Jones on 3rd and 4? Why wouldn't you run the ball understanding that you would likely have another down to get the first if the best RB in the league doesn't convert it? We can nitpick plays on both sides of the ball.

[@TygerByte]

49ers got outcoached plain and simple. When it's Off vs Def, Shanahan got out coached by Spag. and Wilks got outcoached by Reid. Tough to win when both coaches on your team getsoutcoached. That 3rd down blitz that everyone saw coming except Shanahan.. cmon man. Even Romo was like.. they're gonna blitz, thats what Spag does, he blitzes here..... That was the game right there.

[@kevinpratt8476]

I think they’re too quick to fire people these days. It should be like the old days where you keep people around for 3 to 5 years instead of always pulling the trigger too quickly I agree with Stephen Smith that they should’ve not fired him because they actually played or the defensive side of the ball they played pretty well in that game.

[@strawberryreacts9585]

It wasn't a result of the performance in the SB. It had more to do with issues going on all year with the defense and it just not being a good fit

[@cosyfoot7867]

I agree they played “well” in the Super Bowl. But let’s remember the Chiefs offense is not the juggernaut it has been this season at all. It’s been bad in many games. Their defense was dismantled by the Lions and Packers and several times during the season. Also, during the Super Bowl it seemed like Shanahan was visibly upset with calls. This doesn’t seem so mind boggling. Not because he’s not performing, but it appears they aren’t on the same page at all and he is the head coach.

[@williamh.gatesiii8183]

If you find yourself agreeing with Stephen a then you’re probably wrong

[@mgmboy3778]

​@@strawberryreacts9585it's your head Coach he the problem

[@Jason09_]

@@cosyfoot7867Exactly , nothing about Steve Wilk’s scheme is special , Greenlaw got injured and he allowed Burks to cover Kelce man to man which got the Chiefs offense going. He also sent back to back Cover 0 blitzes in 4th quarter and Mahomes converted both with simple shallow cross plays lol. Wilks deserved to be fired

[@thailee7549]

Not a niners fan but Shanahan is never accountable for anything smh lol u got the most powerful offense in the league....

[@whatssogoodaboutindy6696]

Thx to the GM. Not Shannahan.

[@thailee7549]

Exactly my point

[@slyvesterstallone2439]

To be fair to Shanahan, his 3 Super Bowl losses were against the GOAT and the baby GOAT

[@wezzman1]

See here you are making excuses.

[@dcdj35]

I’m usually with Stephen A on how minority coaches get treated. But NFL teams are literally complaining to the league office that SF gets too many draft picks for all the minority coaches and front office ppl they get hired 😂.

[@algill5079]

Well they only get the picks if another team hires them for upper positions. But that doesn’t change the fact that this man was scapegoated. The defense was not the problem. The offense was

[@wheelchairmanjon]

Unbelievably, I agree with Steven a on this one. I thought they did a good job containing the Kansas City offense, unfortunately until it mattered most that missed assignment by the offensive lineman on Chris Jones was the reason San Francisco lost the game

[@nateleibold4221]

Call the Head Coach racist then if that’s how it is.

[@Bjoern_1897]

you clearly don't watch 49ers games lol

[@juniorgutierrez8045]

This man was not the reason niners defense was what it was. People forget 49ers lost back to back defensive coordinators, and still made it to at least the nfc championship games.

[@Bjoern_1897]

This isn't because of the SB loss. These experts clearly did not watch many 49ers game. There was a disconnect this whole season between Wilks and the team.

[@marley2419]

Facts. Look at the defense in that lions and packers game.. then watch the defense in the 2H and overtime of the Super Bowl. Wilks getting fired needed to happen

[@salladiallo9766]

Thank you 🙏🏿

[@StayPuft209]

Exactly. They trying to turn this into a political narrative. Ridiculous.

[@bigj6706]

So when you guys lose next year who are you gonna blame?? Kyle is the reason for your losses and yall are to blind to see. He can't get it done when it's on the line!!!

[@salladiallo9766]

@@bigj6706 what would have happened if Mahomes , Brady , or someone like Joe Burrow was the QB for the niners ? U don’t think they would have won ?

[@RS-qy8pk]

Kept Chiefs to below 20 points in the SB and Greenlaw was injured. Bad decision.

[@MrMan-sq7hp]

Shanahan get all these head coaching jobs and guys like Bienemy and Wilks not even get an interview.

[@thewkovacs316]

wilks got the az job

[@charlesfleming5623]

The 1 head coaching job that Kyle Shanahan has had. Wilks did get interviewed, but I don't believe Bienemy got any interviews.

[@jd4023]

Anyone that watches the games knows the defense was not the same this year

[@qaxcgyujm]

Most defenses aren't the same as they were the year before. Defenses out of any side of the ball are the ones that fluctuate year to year. If you have a top defense they usually get a little worse the next year. Firing a guy after one year when it was the special teams and offense that lost them the Super Bowl was a scapegoat move by them.

[@omarzaifulizan3064]

right..... it feels like theres a lot of casual or non niner fans in this comment section lol. Wilks has been a problem all year. Every niner fan knows this.

[@lwshamilton44]

@@qaxcgyujmThe Jets have had an elite defense the last two years because Robert Saleh knows what he's doing on that side of the ball. Wilkes is not a good DC

[@freshprincetk]

With Ryans and Saleh, we were so used to seeing the front four just absolutely destroy offensive lines. That allowed the secondary to not have to cover for nearly as long as compared to this year

[@christopherwright4344]

@@lwshamilton44Saleh? Literally who gives af how good the defense is when the Jets offense is as abysmal as it was. If anything Saleh and Shanahan have two things in common: great defenses and stagnant offenses.

[@Crickily]

To be honest, this decision was made earlier in the season. Did people already forget that the defense had a meeting without Wilks present? Did people forget that? And then Kyle Shanahan had to join the meetings to gauge what was going on with his defense at that time. I feel anyone can coach this defense and I feel the stars spoke to him and said Wilks just does not make us better as a defense. At that point he has to go, I feel Wilks is a good coach but he is a coach that only works with a certain group of guys. Wilks needs to change before he can be allowed back into a NFL squad because I believe there is a bigger story here than people think.

[@matthewcooper412]

Shut up how do u know

[@lamentedflash5575]

Kyle shanahan is I choke artist..I would be surprised if they even make it to the playoffs next year

[@darkknight901]

Great segment

[@real-ishstraighttruthnocha1687]

I don't think Wilks is a good DC. Also, Vrabel is sitting out there. Maybe the timing isn't good, but I don't think Wilks could have stopped Mahomes all 4 quarters. The biggest issue is that the Niners blew that 3 first round pick trade. If they got the right QB, we aren't having this conversation. Let's be clear about one thing. Very few coaches can have this kind of sustained success. Some of these commenters acting like firing Shanahan means you will win it right after. Firing Shanahan means the team goes back to irrelevant. MFs were just in the SB, my Steelers haven't sniffed a SB in almost 15 years.

[@flatulence8515]

2 is not a winner, 3 nobody remember.. Either you win the big dance or you are irrelevant. So stop with the going to the super bowl like that’s an accomplishment!

[@marclemar]

FACTS

[@real-ishstraighttruthnocha1687]

@@flatulence8515 It is an accomplishment. Bro, most other teams are dying to get there. Ask Washington, Detroit, Chicago, Dallas, NY, Philly, Seattle, and more what it is. This isn't just a Shanahan issue, it's a QB issue. Go watch Chris Simms Unbuttoned Podcast. They literally show multiple plays and reasons why the Niners lost. Some of it was Purdy not making the BEST decisions. Some was Shanahan and some was Wilks. I watched the whole game, Wilks panicked when Mahomes threw that TD to MVS. After that, the defense got gashed repeatedly. I'm not here to salt you or your squad. I'm just saying that we aren't having this convo if Shanahan has Josh Allen or Herbert or Burrow. It takes an elite QB to battle Mahomes.

[@joseromero81]

He had a top 3 defense. How is not a good DC lol

[@DRMZ37]

Holding Mahomes to 25 points in a SB and getting fired is crazy 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@davidl3584]

To be fair, in 21 games including the playoffs, the Chiefs only scored more than 30 twice this season. Their defense carried them most of the season

[@TimeFrameTales2]

Well said

[@tonyseverance7321]

As a fan of the 49ers for decades, I see this as a firing for the dramatic dropoff in performance we saw this season, not losing the Super Bowl. While watching games this season, I repeatedly found myself asking why in TF is the Defense doing this or that. Some of it just made no sense. And we should NEVER be in a position of criticising effort on the field. Given the roster of defensive allstars we have, we need better coaching, game planning, and play calling.

[@devdigeratti]

Statistically better than last year's defense. But carry on with your stupidity

[@tonyseverance7321]

@devdigeratti Actually not better in many categories and analytical rankings. Plus, the defense got worse as the year went on and the players got lazy under Wilks. That NEVER happened under Saleh or Ryans. Learn how to read and do some research, you trolling moron.

[@ryanj3975]

@@devdigeratti Absolutely incorrect. Allow me to educate you. From last season to this season, we went from #1 to #8 overall. Rush yards per attempt went from #2 to #21. Third down percentage went from #13 to #27. Pass rush win rate decreased. Turnovers and PPG held steady but were still better last season. Literally the only stat I'm seeing that improved was we allowed 8 less passing yards per game. So that's cool. I really wish you had done your homework before insulting that poor guy. You owe him an apology.

[@cheehee808_]

I dont think this was because of the sb, he called a decent game for 3 quarters this sunday. If youve watched this team over the course of the season, you would understand why they moved on from him. Imo they were considering firing him going into the bye week but instead they made him move from the booth to the field and added chase young and it helped, but the D and esp the Run D regressed hard this season. If you regress that badly after we added more talent this offseason, your job security is most definitely in play

[@yengvang8737]

Niners defense about to rank 15-20 next year whoever their next DC is.

[@strawberryreacts9585]

They have changed DCs just about every year for the past 3-4 years. Still remain a top 10 unit. They still have the players just need to find the right fit at DC

[@southsidetone]

@@strawberryreacts9585 they will hire within they building with sum1 that knows the system.

[@rosendocastillo7444]

At this point can I apply to be the DC of the 49ers lol? I’m screaming at my tv to cover Travis Kelce and to play cover instead of man.

[@southsidetone]

@@rosendocastillo7444 i guess i should apply to lol i was screaming at tv also telling them dont let mahomes run off or leave kelce uncovered

[@Vortex-ot3dg]

This defense gave away like 20 plus points against Detroit

[@TheMicmay1978]

Great fire!

[@sleepinglady2778]

I honestly believed the Niners had one of the best defenses all season long. Very surprised to see their DC let go. Some other team should pick him up immediately.

[@linekerv]

You’re lying, that defense was the worst defensive teams. That got carried by the offense, he days were numbered by Burrow, Kirk and Kyler Murray. That rush defense is pathetic.

[@mazengwe28]

Why is it whenever a coach gets fired, they always have to show the most pitiful shot of their faces so we can feel sorry for them.

[@RafaelVelasquez-rk3jc]

Bad move by the 49ers , they went on panic mode smh

[@kahlilhicks8638]

This was coming since the vikings game when he did a zero blitz before the half. Add on to that, the run defense took a noticeable step back. I like Wilks but this is not a surprise to anyone that followed the 9ers

[@christopherjackson8438]

Real Talk

[@DubZeros]

49ers need to fire the coach that didn't know the overtime rules

[@CucoiDK11]

if you watched the 49ers play consistently you would know that Wilks was a problem all season. His defensive rating was inflated because they were playing with a lead most games. His defense simply could not stop the run. He called a great superbowl for 3 quarters and then fell back into zero blitzes and soft zone coverage. It looked like we were playing prevent defense with a 3 point lead and 2 minutes left.

[@Fernando_616]

Alright, someone else who was actually paying attention. Bless your soul

[@charlesfleming5623]

Exactly. The offense was dominating most of the season, which allowed the defense to pin their ears back. If the offense struggled or had a bad game, our EXTREMELY talented defense could not make up for it.

[@Jussttiiinnn]

We always tear down athletes/coaches for not performing in big moments. But somehow Mike gets the credit for just getting there.

[@candicemccrimmon3420]

I'm so glad yall didn't hold back. It needed to be said

[@_DroolingOnNobodyBut_U]

Stephen A is speaking the truth

[@verdeests]

Nah he wasn’t that good for how stacked the roster was

[@toomuch535]

Ok that means kyle ain't that good

[@kejreed6233]

they made it to the super bowl, wtf is you talking about "wasn't that good"?

[@lanceneol865]

I guess the defense was supposed to hold Mahomes to 0 points to force Kyle to not choke like he always does.

[@msanders75]

49ers Superbowl defensive scheme gave up 31 to Tampa, No Superbowl in 2022, 38 points to Philly in 2023, and only 19 points for 2024 excluding overtime play! Which defensive scheme actually performed better ?? Coach Steve Wilks first-year system performed TOP NOTCH!!!

[@briandeluca9705]

Great move

[@CarlosSanchez-ld5dt]

It always gets me when they say He's a great coach..well if he's so great why fire him😂😂

[@tony4534]

They say that because there is no benefit to saying anything else. Why trash a coach on the way out?

[@luiszepeda1421]

Did Stephen A fr say Wilks won against Love and Goff like our defense didn’t give up almost 300 yards in those two games running alone??

[@Sethlimel]

And he wasn’t the reason they lost either

[@ryanj3975]

@@Sethlimel He wasn't THE reason they lost but he was ONE of the reasons. I seem to remember having a lead and him letting Mahomes march right down the field for the game winning TD.

[@kendofarms9170]

The fact that kyle had too use a timeout to fix steves play call in the superbowl is why hes not are defensive coach he was not ready for the moment

[@vangarang3667]

Minus the Super Bowl the defense was winning on talent not cohesion. Anyone that watches the 49ers could see how the defense regressed. There were mid season talks of firing Wilks. Winning covers up everything until you start to lose.

[@lanceneol865]

The SB is the most important game, idiot. All Kyle needed was 20 points in regulation to be SB Champs. With that "high powered offense " whinner fans gloated about all year. Choke artist.

[@toneofficial6528]

How is this a surprise? Wilks got publicly owned for running a zero blitz scheme against Minnesota and then makes the same terrible decision in the Super Bowl. Look at Bosa crash down on the RB fake during the SB. KC made the adjustment to fake the handoff because they noticed Bosa crashing down on the running back. KC ran that same RPO play 3 times in OT, which led to 2 first downs and the winning TD. Wilks never adjusted his play calling. Even if 9ners won the SB Wilks was going to be fired because it would have taken the defense to override and buck against Wilks awful play calling.

[@williamloftin5793]

I’m glad somebody said it because they’re on her cherry picking numbers and talking about one game. 🙄

[@nofoxmedia]

If Kyle's vaunted offense scored more points none of that would have mattered.

[@toneofficial6528]

@@nofoxmediaok I guess you're right. . So, defense don't win championships.

[@jakeaguas]

@@toneofficial6528they do but sometime they choke lol look at Super Bowl 42

[@nofoxmedia]

@@toneofficial6528 Just because we say it doesn't mean we believe it. We say teachers and first responders are heroes but don't pay them as such. Hold the $10 million a year head coach accountable.

[@ClutchGene]

Wilks was given a Ferrari and drove it like a Prius. 🎉

[@SHDrive]

You spelled shanahan wrong

[@midwestyle]

Yet in the SuperBowl he parallel parked like a king while the offense and special teams pulled a Thelma and Louise.

[@monochrome493]

You sound dumb , he had better numbers than Demeco Ryan's and he lost his ALL PRO SAFETY & ALL PRO LINEBACKER...STOP IT WHAT ABOUT KYLE 6 ALL PROS & YOU ONLY GET 1 TD OFF OF A MIFFED PUNT AT THE 9 YARD LINE... WHITE PREVILEGE

[@bigal1419]

Word!!

[@DERRICKROSAS]

The Superbowl loss didn't determine Wilks' firing. It was just the nail in the coffin. Under Wilks the 49ers defense went from ranking 2nd to 12th, and our run defense went ranking 2nd to 26th. He did slightly improve the back field, but the defensive line significantly declined given the talent we have plus the addition of Hargrave and Young.

[@ryanj3975]

I recently looked into these claims of our secondary improving. From the eye test, it did seem that way. Here's how much they actually improved. They allowed 8 less passing yards per game and got 2 more INTs. Not too dramatic haha

[@christopherpeek2647]

Last year our defense was 1st overall this year 12th last year against the run 2nd this year 26th

[@patsr11]

And you didn’t even go to the Super Bowl with the number one ranked defense

[@unc54]

@@patsr11 Because their QB tore his UCL in the 1st quarter and then the backup got injured as well.

[@FatherMighty]

@@unc54do u think y’all was winning that game😂😂😂😂

[@MK95066]

Last I checked, if your team blows a lead, it's not the offense's fault; it's the defense's fault.

[@yasinpeppers8233]

This does not match the context of the game.

[@Thebob6]

Absolutely

[@badabada8530]

I can't wait for next year

[@shanedavis221]

The glaring area for the 49ers is at QB Pat Mahomes was able to make the plays & Brock Purdy wasn’t. But to be Fair Brock is very young in his career and should continue to improve both mentally and physically.

[@raider1297]

Not really. The 49ers kept the Cheifs in check for basically all regulation. Shanahan had the chance to build a bigger lead and put it out of reach while they were stopping Mahomes. Purdy played better than Mahomes in regulation. Problem was Shanahan choked the playcalling. He went away from the run game in the 3rd quarter which was working very well and kept going 3 and out while passing and stopping the clock...that's really what made the difference.

[@joelblanco1800]

​@@raider1297prudy missed a lot of key throws too

[@shanedavis221]

@@raider1297 Purdy just didn’t make enough plays whether it’s alluding a sack and throwing the ball away. making a few key throws ( which he did miss on) or scrambling for a first down here and there to extend a drive or win the field position battle

[@Sethlimel]

@@raider1297lol Mahomes was sizing the up

[@raider1297]

@@Sethlimel Yeah...no lol. No player will spend 99% of regulation of a Super Bowl "sizing them up"

[@Dynamic_Mercenary]

Hope the Texans watching this 👀👨🏾‍🌾

[@paulndfam]

You right on this Stephen A

[@Hscott410_]

their boy brock puuuuurdy was scoring 3's instead of 7's , that was the problem lol

[@jamiethomas5849]

Last year both coordinators from the team that lost the Super Bowl got head coaching jobs but this year one gets fired. Gee I wonder why

[@w00deey12]

Great point!

[@Fernando_616]

Because he wasn't great at his job, it's not rocket science

[@w00deey12]

9ers defense gave up one 300 yard passing game all season. That is good@@Fernando_616

[@unc54]

The last two SF DCs got HC jobs. Gee I wonder why

[@MikeSmith-yy1lv]

49ers have four all pro's on defense and found a way to give Kirk Cousins and Joe Burrow the best passing days of their career! Wilks is just too slow to adapt. He needed to go.

[@lanceneol865]

You say that like those 2 QBs aren't good. Kyle is a choke artist that blames everyone else for losing big games. He only needed 20 points in regulation to win a superbowl. Dude is trash.

[@Big-Hit]

Perfect way to articulate this whole situation Stephen A.! They are wrong for doing Steve W like this!

[@JEG6919]

Absolutely, YES! Game is through if the head coach has no say on the staff.

[@flipkonway2301]

The defense played better than the offense…same HC different DC and same results 🤷🏾

[@marley2419]

U clearly ain’t watch the game. The whole overtime and 2H the defense was horrible. And u clearly ain’t watch the packers or lions game look at the defense Lol

[@geezgee1553]

How so? They couldn't make it stop when it counted

[@flipkonway2301]

@@marley2419 f the Niners idc either way glad they lost

[@MrKamJ]

The guy on the right blinking so much whilst Stephen was talking is definitely in a safe house asking for help.

[@Soccercrazyigboman]

😂 you read Morse code?

[@germ187]

Agreed

[@0721nash]

Well said Steven A. All facts

[@KingSlattttt]

before i even watch this i know stephen a is gonna make it about race .. i dk admit they did do wilkes dirty tho lmao

[@donavan953]

3 straight years too. Guy just held mahomes and Andy Reid to one touchdown in regulation and the touchdown was off a punt in the red zone. Firing the special teams or shanahan would’ve made more sense. Guy was forcing purdy to throw the ball instead of running it.

[@donavan953]

Can’t even blame Stephen A for using race because nobody has ever seen something like this happen before

[@tylerbenton1956]

All it’s ever about anymore is race that’s it.

[@healthyuma202]

😂😂😂 I was thinking the exact same thing. So predictable

[@revealingtruth3329]

No they didnt

[@TigerNightmare]

If the Niners score 10 points in the first half and 9 points in the second half, but the lead disappears, what's different? The Chiefs changed their strategy and Wilks couldn't adjust. Shanahan called a time out to cancel another cover 0, the same play that gifted the Vikings a touchdown before halftime. The Niners won the game by three points twice, all they needed to do was stop Mahomes and the defense completely collapsed both times. Wilks called for soft zone coverage as if they were playing with a two score lead with two minutes left in regulation, and not like the game was on the line. You can't do that. Wilks has had hiccups and inconsistencies all year, and the once dominant pass rush played well below their level. The Niners need a DC that will play four quarters.

[@samfran89]

Lol well good luck finding that

[@MANNY11RED]

I don`t often agree with Stephen A ,but on this occasion I agree with him 100%

[@jamesanderson3913]

👍👍

[@gerardoquintanar4541]

😂😂👏👏👏 Steven A said it right on . This guy is good he's usually right

[@tyler7599]

Double digit lead so the offense did their job. So it would be the defense that did not do theirs.

[@lanceneol865]

Not if you just give up on time management. Just because your up doesn't mean start 3& outting and wear out your defense. Kyle is that you? Lol

[@briananderson9650]

They’re talking about Holden, Patrick below 20 points who cares they lost😂 I don’t care if they held them below a field goal as long as they lost.😂

[@ColdPika]

It feels bad for Steve Wilks. Defense did really good in the super bowl. Although they made a few mistakes, their offense didn't capitalize on the opportunities they were giving them like when they pick off Mahomes and couldn't even get into field goal range.

[@mr100x3]

They’re making it a race thing, but Wilks had the most stacked team ever, and they felt short, he wasn’t even first defensively

[@alexsolo4085]

Wilks definitely turned it around in the regular season, but come playoff time you could see the firing happening. SB he got the defense to play well, but there were questionable calls in the second half, as well as that last drive to end the game.

[@revealingtruth3329]

How bout the fact that the defense was horrible against Detroit and not very good at all against Green Bay

[@christianjames92]

He's playing the some of the best offenses in the playoffs lmao. Elite offenses like Greenbay, Detroit, Kansas City, etc are going to score on any defense bruh. Walks is not a magic man.

[@patsr11]

So how much blame are you gonna put on Kyle Shanahan none

[@patsr11]

@@revealingtruth3329 and they still made the Super Bowl and they held Kansas City to six points in the first half the offensive was horrible

[@unc54]

​@@christianjames92 Of those teams only Detroit is an elite offense. Also, you need to get stops when it matters and the 49ers failed to do that. None of the 49ers playoff wins came because of good defensive scheming.

[@Anthony-yu5yz]

It's up to the players to execute the defensive plays.

[@anthonypham9206]

He has to GOOO.

[@jasondavis2733]

Scapegoat fire and they should be ashamed. I honestly think the good coaches left should avoid their organization until they make some frint office changes. Classless firing. If your defense gives you multiple 3 and outs againts Reid and Mahomes in a superbowl, that aint the reason you lost

[@strawberryreacts9585]

Had nothing to do with SB performance but an underwhelming performance all season long. He just wasn't a good fit for the scheme they want to run.

[@Bjoern_1897]

you clearly don't watch 49ers games lol

[@jasondavis2733]

@@Bjoern_1897 you clearly don't value overall performance

[@Squibtorious]

There was friction all year regarding Wilks. From being dragged down to the sideline, kicking and screaming, to a mostly healthy defense (minus Hufanga) not being #1 overall, less TOs, worse against the run, blitz happy concepts only got 4 more sacks than 2022 when 4 DLs dominated sack totals. He wasn't a fit all year. Niners fans been calling for his removal all year. It's OK, you aren't aware of the situation at local level, but you turned ignorance into an 11 minute segment of "Why he always get screwed over?"

[@unc54]

Because they just know Wilks' name, they don't actually pay attention to how he does his job.

[@bigj6706]

STOP IT! Kyle just can't win the Big one! Period. You've had different DC and then get beat. Good luck in coming years cause it ain't gonna get easier.

[@Squibtorious]

@@bigj6706 bruh, whether he can or not has nothing to do with Steve Wilks getting fired...for being a bad hire to begin with. This is a segment about the firing of Steve Wilks, in which these sports talk folks are claiming it was undue. Wrong. If anyone should catch heat on this it's John Lynch for making that hire. Follow along with the conversation man, you sounds silly otherwise ✌🏼

[@JCHR74]

But you can't put everything in a vacuum. The team got older, injuries happened, 49ers getting schemed out harder and teams improved. It's not as simple as the totality of simple numbers. Even if you do, it's not like 9ers defense fell off a cliff. They were still in the top 10 lol. Greenlaw rips his Achilles and now it forces wilks to try to get pressure on mahomes hence the cover 0. It's not like KC was torching them down the field and or having singular talents outside of kelce on the wings. Simply put, dude was made into a scapegoat because Kyle's ego can't handle the truth that a great QB is the common denominator and he's a choke that focuses on the wrong things.

[@Squibtorious]

@@JCHR74 dude, the defense was #3 overall, I'm not delusional. BUT, the team was actually the healthiest it's ever been from 2019 to now, loaded with All-Pros and they dropped from #1 overall to #3 overall. They dropped from top 2 run defense EPA all the way down to 25th! That's not a vacuum my friend. The Wilks hiring always felt questionable to me, and then the season was rough, and I think he was always gonna move on. If they won, would've been framed as "Wilks resigns from 49ers, wants a new challenge". That being said, I think he coached a great game in the Super Bowl, and the offense let us down so much. 3 points off 3 turnovers 🫤 KC got 7 off of 2 turnovers. That's the game right there

[@samuelkondracki]

If you’re a fan of the 49ers and you actually watched every game this season start to finish you’ve been waiting for this move since the Vikings game mid season LOL, stop acting like Wilks was good, the dude is a deer in headlights when it counts

[@patsr11]

And Kyle Shanahan looked worse than a deer in headlights in the Super Bowl. You’re talking about regular season the bad calls that he made in the Super Bowl so he gets a pass. Wow

[@samuelkondracki]

@@patsr11 I didn’t say Shanahan wasn’t a complete moron, I’ve had it with that guy too, but to act like Steve Wilks wasn’t also a huge problem is just ridiculous

[@0721nash]

Wow! Scapegoat

[@Hawkgoulet]

Well clearly Stephen A hasn’t been following the Niners this season. There was tension all season revolving around Wilks. He was blitz happy and the run defense was not there all season. At one point Shanahan forced him to be on the field with the players instead of in the team booth. Earlier in the season they publicly acknowledged Wilks made a terrible play call - blitzed with 10 seconds left in the game.

[@BigMan1012-kp9lp]

That defense got them to the bowl and held the best qb to 19 points and he couldn’t get it done lol stop it!!!!!!

[@Hawkgoulet]

@@BigMan1012-kp9lp you didn’t watch the regular season. That defense cost them games.

[@jakeaguas]

@@BigMan1012-kp9lpno they didn’t they offense last minute drive in the divisional and Purdys legs in the nfc championship got us there lol how about you stop💀

[@Slade_Chill]

I saw holes in that defense all season, especially in those games against the bengals and Vikings. The playoffs just opened my eyes even more. Now Steve wilks is definitely the escape goat, but he got too greedy in the Super Bowl in the second half.

[@etb5763]

He did his job well

[@kejreed6233]

but they made it to the super bowl. top 3 defense isn't a bad thing. if SF won it all, nobody would've lost their job. This is on Shanahan too. especially with them not knowing OT rules

[@Slade_Chill]

@@kejreed6233 Kyle is at fault to, but I kind of expected this to happen.

[@Slade_Chill]

@@etb5763 well you can say that, but I watched the tape and I can say has lot to be desired.

[@zoellalove7788]

YOU are really bias calling Coach Wilks greedy, I know him personally, and many of his players would beg the difference. Where do YOU get off calling name of someone you never met. Back seat driver huh.....He is the most humble man with great humility you will ever meet, and would not even take in that response. Favorite scripture Psalm 100:5, he will get better, Everytime he get passed over it get better for him, ask his players, they ALL resoect him.......

[@j.k.d.lockhart8414]

The players played their hearts out.. that’s why we were a top defence

[@Chaosmancer-jq2st]

They let go of the wrong guy. Why is the coach still there? The offense lost the game. It's not the defense. Run the football, and you win the game.

[@maxballa115]

watch steve make it about race 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@princenas1412]

It don’t eh about race bro it be about the time limit they give us black men opportunities that’s all he be getting into lol but this comment funny asl😂😂

[@christianjames92]

White DC's don't get fired after having top 5 defenses. It is a racial issue. Black coaches for some reason keep getting the short end of the stick.

[@gizmo8453]

Firing a black coach on black history month 🤨....how appalling

[@quietly_amused]

Niners consistently promote and hire people of color and receive compensatory picks for it, but nobody in media gets attention for being rational. These bozos talk about Shanahan be culpable? Sure, he is to an extent. But let's not forget the Niners have been consistently in the playoff hunt since Shanahan and Lynch got there.

[@Wesnipes20]

Wilks schemes wer terrible lol that became super clear against Detroit