The San Francisco 49ers still don't have a defensive coordinator, which many would see as far from ideal with the NFL offseason motoring towards free agency and, in April, the draft.

It could be seen as difficult to evaluate potential free agent signings and draft prospects on defense without knowing the coach who is going to lead that unit in 2024.

But, speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine, Lynch suggested that will not be a problem, with the 49ers unlikely to change their system regardless of who comes into the building. The 49ers have interviewed former Los Angeles Chargers coach Brandon Staley, along with an in-house candidate in defensive passing game specialist/nickels coach Nick Sorensen. They are also set to interview defensive backs coach Daniel Bullocks and two unnamed external candidates.

"I think we have a great idea of who we're going to be, and continue to be, and the things we believe in," Lynch said.

"So, is it [having a defensive coordinator] important? Sure, and we're working toward that, Kyle [Shanahan] is working toward that. And that will come in due time.

"We want to be true to the process, and learn a lot from it, identify."

The 49ers need more depth at defensive end and also have a hole at slot corner. On top of that, the Niners would benefit from additional resources on the interior of the defensive line and at linebacker, having lost Dre Greenlaw to a torn Achilles in a bizarre incident in Super Bowl 58.

Whoever they hire as defensive coordinator will join the evaluation of potential additions in the draft at those areas late in the process. The fact the 49ers are comfortable with that is a clear signal that not much is going to change regardless of who takes over from Steve Wilks.

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He was very clear.