Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick - Alex Grimm/Getty Images
The San Francisco 49ers training camp has officially begun and head coach Kyle Shanahan is back to speaking to the media more often. While there is a lot for the head coach to discuss given the off-season that it has been, there was one interesting tidbit that was revealed. Here is a look at what Shanahan discussed regarding Bill Belichick and the San Francisco 49ers.
Kyle Shanahan Offers Bill Belichick Defensive Coordinator Role
Following the Super Bowl loss in February, the San Francisco 49ers let go of their defensive coordinator, Steve Wilks. This is in the same offseason that the New England Patriots parted ways with legendary head coach, Bill Belichick. While Belichick did interview for head coach positions in the NFL, all the roles ended up being filled by others. Belichick is a defensive mind, and some wondered if the San Francisco 49ers would take him as their new defensive coordinator. The news is, the 49ers did make an attempt.
According to Tim Kawakami on the “The TK Show” podcast, Shanahan did speak about hiring Belichick. Shanahan explained that he offered Belichick the role of defensive coordinator or just a position on the coaching staff. Even if it was not for the role of coordinator, Shanahan showed interest in bringing in Belichick in any way. The interest was not mutual though, and Belichick did say no to the offer. The good news is, this is one of those situations where the worst they can say is no. While that was the answer, at least the attempt was there.
What Could Have Been
Belichick’s coaching background and overall mind is defensive. This could have been a dynamic duo to have him and Shanahan coaching a team together. Belichick knows how to win championships, while Shanahan is still looking for his first Super Bowl win. While the risk is that these are two coaches who have strong minds and could clash, the two being on opposite sides of the ball could have been dominant in every game. Between the players, Belichick’s defensive mind, and Shanahan’s offensive mind, the San Francisco 49ers could have been not just dominant, but genuinely fun to watch. While it never came to be, this could have been a big addition to the San Francisco 49ers.
State of the 49ers Defense
The 2024 San Franciso 49ers defense should still be just as tough as they have been, but there are numerous changes this year. Of course, Nick Sorensen is the new defensive coordinator. It will be interesting to see how he does in year one. Sorensen was with the team while DeMeco Ryans was the coordinator, and understands the expectations that comes with the job. The goal will be for the 49ers defense to get back to the dominant performance they had in 2022, or perhaps even better.
There are of course some player changes as well. Arik Armstead is no longer on the team after being the longest tenured player last year. There are also a couple of players who are likely to miss time due to rehabbing 2023 injuries such as Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga. There are still the key aspects of this team though such as Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. The pieces are still there, and they will need to come out strong right away in week one of the 2024 NFL season.
While Belichik to the 49ers did not work out, at least there was a chance of it happening. It is fun to wonder what could have happened if he did take the job. For now, Belichick is not coaching in the NFL, but may again one day. The 49ers training camp has kicked off, and will be working to get back to the Super Bowl this year, and hopefully finally get the win they are looking for.
