Nick

Sorensen

Nick Sorensen was promoted to defensive coordinator ahead of the 2024 season but was let go after the team allowed 25.6 points per game this year. Per Shanahan, Sorensen could be retained as the team’s special teams coordinator or in another role. Staley previously served as the Rams’ defensive coordinator for a year before being hired as the Chargers’ head coach. He lasted three seasons and was fired after a disappointing 2023. Robert Saleh is expected to be offered the defensive coordinator job if he doesn’t land another head coaching gig, so Staley is likely stuck in his role for at least another year.

Sorensen was promoted to defensive coordinator for the 2024 season, but it seems the 49ers will move on from him at that role. NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocoo reports the team still hopes to retain Sorensen to the coaching staff, but will be looking elsewhere for defensive coordinator. It will be Kyle Shanahan’s fourth defensive coordinator in four years as the rumor mill will begin to churn for which defensive coach will join the staff.

Sorensen is a former player turned coach. He entered the league as a rookie UDFA in 2001 with the Dolphins and bounced around multiple teams until opting to hang it up after the 2010 season. Sorenson joined the coaching ranks in 2013 as the Seahawks’ assistant special teams coach, and later served as their assistant defensive backs coach and secondary coach before joining the Jaguars in 2021 as their special teams coordinator. He was hired as the 49ers’ defensive assistant the following season and spent 2023 as the team’s defensive passing game coordinator. One of just a handful of coaches who interviewed for the defensive coordinator vacancy, Sorenson is a familiar face who should have an easy time adjusting to the role. It is his first time serving as a defensive coordinator at any level.

Before taking the job as the Chargers head coach in 2021, Staley served as the Rams’ defensive coordinator in 2020 and also has experience as a DC at the college level. Interestingly, Staley interviewed with the Rams earlier this offseason for their defensive coordinator opening after Raheem Morris left for Atlanta, but they instead promoted LBs coach Chris Shula, to the role. Staley’s defense struggled during his time with the Chargers, never ranking better than 21st in points allowed per game. In addition to Staley, the 49ers also interviewed Nick Sorenson, who is an internal candidate currently serving as their defensive pass game coordinator.

Sorensen, 42, is a former safety that played for Jacksonville from 2003-2006. He spent eight years as an assistant in Seattle, where he worked alongside Brian Schneider, who stepped away from the Jaguars for personal reasons earlier this month. Hiring Sorensen allows Jacksonville to run a scheme similar to the one Schneider installed this offseason.

Sorensen started four games at quarterback for Virginia Tech.

Sorensen was the team’s special-teams captain last season. He’s still a backup at safety.

Sorensen is a standout special teams player for the Jaguars.

Sorensen is a more than willing special teamer, but doesn’t figure to help the Browns on defense. He takes the roster spot left by Gary Baxter.

A long-time favorite in Jacksonville because of his frenetic special teams play, Sorensen lasted four years on the roster after going undrafted. His release is a good sign the Jacksonville has improved their depth at safety.