49ers: DC Steve Wilks explains his exact plans for how he wants to coach his defense
Steve Wilks, the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator, explains how he plans to coach in 2023.
Former interim Carolina Panthers head coach, and current defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, Steve Wilks, coaching is about attention to detail.
And in his recent media availability, he pulled back the curtain on his coaching style, where he explained how he gets the most out of the players he is in charge of.
“I coach through the backend because that’s my expertise, so I see certain things back there, and I try to make coaching points on the run just to try to get those guys to self-correct themselves because there’s times," Wilks said. "Of course, during the game, you can’t get to them, so you just want them to be able to think about what’s just happened and then hit the reset button and get ready for the next play."
Wilks is considered a defensive back specialist, and to him, he sees plenty of crossover in coaching defensive backs and controlling an entire defense, he said.
Additionally, Wilks took the Niners' job because of the familiarity with the former Niners defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans' scheme.
“I think you go against these guys, you see them on tape, you got the crossover film and those kinds of things, and sometimes you really don’t understand the teaching behind it," Wilks said. "Okay, the wide nines and those kinds of things, what we may be doing up front, but once I was able to get here and understand how detailed he coaches everything, it fits into my philosophy and the things that I believe in, so we’re on the same page.
"As a defensive guy and running things from the back to the front. I emphasize every meeting, pointing out things up front just to let those guys understand and know that it’s not just lip service. Everything we do starts up front and I want those guys to understand that.”
As for Wilks' goals for the season, he wants to make sure the Niners don't give up too many explosive plays. If San Francisco is able to do so, Wilks feels the team will be in a good position throughout the season.
“Well, number one, one of our goals we talked about trying to lead the league in the least explosive plays," Wilks said. "I think we gave up too many last year, so hopefully you don’t see that, the fastest and quickest way to win a game is through the air. As great as those guys may be playing up front, we have to make sure we secure things on the backend. We don’t want to give up explosive plays, that’s number one. And two, we have to make more plays on the football, interceptions, and then find a way to get in the end zone with those.”
Feature image via Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports.
