Sorensen emerged from a pool of candidates that included 49ers defensive backs coach Daniel Bullocks, Kansas City Chiefs defensive backs coach David Merritt, Las Vegas Raiders safeties coach Gerald Alexander, and former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley.
Staley was brought on to serve as the assistant head coach under Kyle Shanahan.
Last week, Dianna Russini of The Athletic revealed the 49ers' interest in Kansas City's defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo, which likely prompted the Chiefs to swiftly extend his contract.
A new report from Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reveals that the 49ers also explored the possibility of hiring another team's defensive coordinator—Jeff Ulbrich of the New York Jets.
"There was mutual interest in exploring a marriage, according to multiple league sources, but ultimately the Jets made it clear that they were not going to let Ulbrich leave," Rosenblatt wrote. "Teams can block coaches under contract from taking jobs with other teams unless it is a promotion (from position coach to coordinator, or coordinator to head coach), which was not the case here."
Rosenblatt further notes that while the 49ers never formally requested an interview with Ulbrich, internal discussions about pursuing him occurred.
Ulbrich, a former player for the 49ers drafted in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft, embarked on his coaching journey as an assistant with the Seattle Seahawks in 2010. He subsequently served as a linebackers coach with UCLA and the Atlanta Falcons before working his way to defensive coordinator with the Falcons in 2020.
Ulbrich has been the Jets' defensive coordinator since 2021, overseeing a defense that ranked third in total yards allowed and second against the pass last season.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
ESPN predicts landing spot for 49ers coordinator Robert Saleh
Teams in need of a head coach are now permitted to interview candidates whose teams played over the weekend, and San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is already drawing significant interest. According to reports, at least five teams have requested interviews... -
Eric Kendricks, Garrett Wallow provide huge defensive boost in 49ers Wild Card win
Few people gave the San Francisco 49ers much of a chance in their Wild Card matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. That was largely because the team had been decimated by so many injuries, particularly on defense. In order for them to pull off the improbable, the... -
49ers vs. Eagles injury report: 5 players miss Wednesday's practice
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Wild Card Round playoff contest against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Tackle Trent Williams and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall were not healthy enough to practice on... -
49ers vs. Eagles injury report: San Francisco gets massive boost before playoff clash
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Wild Card Round playoff contest against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Great news for 49ers fans: All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams returned to the practice field,...