Cowboys Staff-Building: Should Dallas Hire 49ers 'Super Bowl Scapegoat' Steve Wilks?

After filling their defensive coordinator vacancy, the Dallas Cowboys still have room for more additions to their defensive coaching staff.

Should the Dallas Cowboys be interested in now former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks?

In the hours following the Niners' overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII, coach Kyle Shanahan announced the shocking firing of Wilks on Wednesday.

The man whose defense had held Patrick Mahomes and the high-flying Chiefs offense to just 19 points through the game's first four quarters has, we would argue, effectively been made the scapegoat for another Shanahan Super Bowl loss. 

While the Cowboys already have their next defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer, under contract, as he was unveiled to the media this week, the thought of potentially adding another veteran coordinator to the staff is intriguing.

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium.  / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Despite the message that is being sent with Wilks' departure from San Francisco, it doesn't seem like the decision had anything to do with performance. The Niners defense under Wilks was one of the league's best. 

San Francisco ranked fourth in scoring defense, allowing just 18.8 points per game, finishing No. 5 against the run and No. 14 in passing defense according to yards allowed per game. 

Shanahan said it was a bad "fit.'' Hmmm. OK.

While Zimmer has already replaced now-Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn as the new defensive coordinator here, the Cowboys still have openings on staff. Both top defensive aide Joe Whitt Jr. (to Washington) and defensive line coach Aden Durde (to Seattle) took jobs elsewhere.

Is there room for Wilks?

Just two seasons ago, then with the Carolina Panthers, Wilks was the defensive pass game coordinator and secondary coach before he was promoted to interim head coach following the midseason firing of Matt Rhule. 

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Wilks would not only give the Cowboys another former head coach on their staff and coordinating experience but would also bring direct knowledge of what's made the Niners successful defensively. ... Something that could prove valuable if Dallas wishes to supplant their longtime rival as the NFC champions next season.