Does Steve Wilks Need to Transition From the Booth to the Sidelines?

All fingers point to defensive coordinator Steve Wilks for why the defense is playing so poorly.

It's been a disaster for the defense of the 49ers in their last two games.

First it was Kirk Cousins picking them apart with a rookie receiver, then it was Joe Burrow gashing them with Ja'Marr Chase all game long. The 49ers can't cover anyone right now nor can they maintain adequate pressure. Although, they finally got to sack the quarterback against the Bengals with three after registering zero against the Vikings.

All fingers point to defensive coordinator Steve Wilks for why the defense is playing so poorly. The talent has remained practically the same from last season with the only major change being with defensive coordinator. Going from DeMeco Ryans to Wilks was always going to be a drop off, but lately it's been a significant one. They were once such a fierce side. Now, they are a side that any offense who is at least average can do damage against. 

One aspect that could be playing into the defensive downfalls is that Wilks calls plays from above in the booth. Ryans, and even Robert Saleh, would call plays from the sidelines and instill energy into his players. Being on the sidelines gives players someone to rally behind and have that interpersonal feel. In a way, it makes sense as the 49ers defense looks like an army without a commander to lead them. Even Kyle Shanahan is considering that to be an issue as he revealed on Monday that he will discuss it with Wilks.

Kyle Shanahan said that he and Steve Wilks will discuss Wilks moving onto the field during games, and if Wilks thinks it will help him, then he'll move down there.

— Tracy Sandler (@TracyFGSN) October 30, 2023

So, does Wilks need to transition from the booth to the sidelines?

No he doesn't. This is 100 percent a scapegoat move. What does him being on the sideline have to do with the poor execution of the players and the flawed scheme? Absolutely nothing. Wilks being on the sidelines will give the 49ers defense zero improvement. This just screams desperation, which can indicate that the 49ers really have no idea how to improve their defense. Besides, Wilks on the sidelines wouldn't work the same as previous defensive coordinators.

The reason Saleh and Ryans were so effective on the sidelines is partly, if not mostly, because of their age. Wilks is 54 years old, whereas Saleh was 41 when he left and Ryans was 38. They both were able to give that energy and uplift players, especially Ryans since he was former high level player. Wilks won't be able to provide that. That isn't his schtick, and having him do that will be forced. The 49ers are already forcing him to adapt to their defensive structure as it is, which he clearly isn't there yet, if he will ever be.

All of the defensive deficiencies aren't even all of Wilks' fault. Yes, he is easy to blame because he is the one major change on the defense, but against the Bengals I saw countless times the 49ers were missing tackles, failing to uphold in coverage, shed blocks, and were penalized on occasions. The defensive failures are NOT solely on Wilks, but of course he will be scapegoated as this "booth to the sideline" topic is being considered with Shanahan.