San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is implementing at least one coaching adjustment. Beginning this Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, defensive coordinator Steve Wilks will transition from calling plays in the coaching box to being on the sideline with the players and other coaches.
"We're going to put him on that field this week, something we've talked about for a little bit," Shanahan told reporters ahead of Wednesday's practice. "I think there's pluses to it and minuses to it, but we'll see what we like about this week."
The 49ers defense has struggled during the team's three-game losing streak. The unit currently ranks 10th in total yards allowed per game. Coming off a bye week, the team is eager to rebound against Jacksonville.
When asked what went into the decision to make the adjustment, Shanahan responded, "Just because of some of the stuff you do in the box, all the advantages to it, which are great. But I kind of want him to be down and be near our players a little bit. They've had that more just with the linebacker communication in the past, and I want him to be down there so he can talk to guys a little bit more."
Shanahan admitted that he preferred to be in the coaching box as a coordinator.
"I think that's the best spot," Shanahan shared. "I feel like you guys would judge me too hard if I went up there. If it ever gets cold enough, I might be. I just like a chair and a desk and a lot of stuff to write down and things like that. But I had to do this for nine years before I got here. I was only in the box one year, my last year, so I was eight on the field before that. There's pluses and minuses to both, so you usually go with your preference."
