Staley interviewed for the 49ers DC opening in 2024 after the team fired its previous DC Steve Wilks. The fit with Staley never made a ton of sense because of the significant schematic shift San Francisco would have to undergo.

When word came that Nick Sorensen would not return as the 49ers defensive coordinator in 2025, a move to another role with the team was mentioned as a possibility.

HC Kyle Shanahan mentioned the team making changes at defensive coordinator and said that Brandon Staley could be considered as an internal option.

It will also be the second consecutive offseason they’ll interview former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley for the position. Head coach Kyle Shanahan on Wednesday in a press conference told reporters Staley would be one of the internal candidates San Francisco considers as they aim to replace the recently-fired Nick Sorensen.

The San Francisco 49ers hope to pick up the pieces this offseason, after a nightmarish 2024-25 NFL campaign. Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed recent questions about potential candidates to become the team’s next defensive coordinator on Wednesday.