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49ers considering internal candidate, 2 others for defensive coordinator opening [report]

© Darren Yamashita | 2021 Sep 26

Vic Fangio is off the board, but an internal candidate has reportedly been added.

The 49ers are reportedly considering their esteemed defensive line coach Kris Kocurek for their open defensive coordinator position, according to Josina Anderson. Kocurek joins Panthers interim head coach Steve Wilks and Washington Commanders defensive backs coach Chris Harris as part of the short list of candidates San Francisco is looking at.

Kocurek is considered one of the best defensive line coaches in the NFL, and the 49ers have gotten incredible production — despite a number of injuries — from that group since he took over the job in 2019.

Kocurek has said in the past that he’s not looking for a promotion, but if Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch offer him one, that might change things.

Kocurek is a former defensive tackle for the Tennessee Titans who began as an assistant defensive line coach with the Detroit Lions in 2009. He was eventually promoted to D-line coach and stayed there for eight years. He served in the same role for one season in Miami before joining the 49ers.

Wilks is reportedly set to interview with the 49ers on Monday while Harris has already reportedly interviewed.