Kyle Shanahan made the tough decision to fire defensive coordinator Steve Wilks just a few days after the San Francisco 49ers fell short to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. 

But there's a good chance the 49ers will hire an internal candidate for their opening at defensive coordinator, Chris Rosvoglo of The Spun reports.  This according to Mike Silver ofthe San Francisco Chronicle.

"In NFL coaching circles, there's a belief that Kyle Shanahan is preparing to fill the 49ers' vacant DC opening from within," Silver wrote on X. "That said, this has been one of the more secretive searches in recent memory... so until there's an announcement, feel free to dream those big dreams..."

It's unclear who the favorite for the job is at this time. If the 49ers do go with an in-house candidate, defensive line coach Kris Kocurek and defensive backs coach Daniel Bullocks would be intriguing options. 

If the 49ers want to shoot for the stars, they could reach out to former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll. 

"An interesting candidate would be Pete Carroll," longtime NFL writer Peter King said. "It's a defense he's extraordinarily familiar with...I wouldn't be shocked if Kyle picked up the phone and asked Belichick and Carroll if this is something they'd be interested in."

For now, 49ers fans should expect Shanahan to promote an assistant coach. 

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