One Overlooked Factor in the 49ers' Defensive Coordinator Search
It has been 16 days since the San Francisco 49ers began searching for a new defensive coordinator.
Clearly, the 49ers are in no rush to hire a coach yet, and for good reason. No other team has a vacancy at defensive coordinator, so the 49ers have their pick of the litter. It is better for them to take their time reaching a decision on a coach than to rush so quickly. The 49ers are wise for taking advantage of this.
However, there is one overlooked factor in the 49ers' defensive coordinator search. It is certainly playing a part as to why they are taking so long in hiring somebody. That factor is continuity. Whoever the 49ers end up hiring for defensive coordinator, they are surely expecting that person to stay on for at least two-to-three seasons.
The last thing the 49ers want to do is hire someone who, despite being a great fit, ends up leaving after one season. Should that occur, the 49ers will be facing three consecutive years searching for a new defensive coordinator. That isn't something that Kyle Shanahan wants to deal with again. I believe that is why hiring some of the big names, if they were even interested, like Bill Belichick and Mike Vrabel aren't ideal.
Sure, they both would make for excellent coordinators, but they aren't going to stick around for longer than a season. The 49ers are looking for some continuity and rightfully so. Playing musical chairs at defensive coordinator will become frustrating and possibly cause some regression on that side of the ball. It is better for the 49ers to pursue someone that they are confident will be on the team for the next few years.
Looking at the candidates that they have interviewed, it is likely that each of them would stay on for at least a couple of seasons. I sincerely doubt that Brandon Staley, Nick Sorensen, Daniel Bullocks, or David Merritt would leave after a year. However, determining that isn't so easy, which I am sure is part of what is causing the 49ers to be slow in their search. They probably also seriously considered a coach who could be "one and done" as well.
This is why it is so important for them to take their time. Whatever is to the benefit of the team, and taking it slow to find a coach who will remain as defensive coordinator beyond next season is the right path.
