San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator history
Steve Wilks
Wilks was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2023 season. The team made it to the playoffs one time (2023) and had a 2-1 record under Coach Wilks in playoff games. In 2023, the San Francisco 49ers faced off against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII and the 49ers, under the direction of head coach Kyle Shanahan, lost 22-25.
DeMeco Ryans
Ryans was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2021-2022 seasons, a total of two years. The team made it to the playoffs two times (2021-2022) and had a 4-2 record under Coach Ryans in playoff games.
Robert Saleh
Saleh was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2017-2020 seasons, a total of four years. The team made it to the playoffs one time (2019) and had a 2-1 record under Coach Saleh in playoff games. In 2019, the San Francisco 49ers faced off against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV and the 49ers, under the direction of head coach Kyle Shanahan, lost 20-31.
Jim O'Neil
O'Neil was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2016 season. O'Neil's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 2-14-0, making him the least successful defensive coordinator in San Francisco 49ers history.
Eric Mangini
Mangini was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2015 season.
Vic Fangio
Fangio was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2011-2014 seasons, a total of four years. The team made it to the playoffs three times (2011-2013) and had a 5-3 record under Coach Fangio in playoff games. In 2012, the San Francisco 49ers faced off against the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII and the 49ers, under the direction of head coach Jim Harbaugh, lost 31-34.
Greg Manusky
Manusky was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2007-2010 seasons, a total of four years.
Bill Davis
Davis was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2005-2006 seasons, a total of two years.
Willy Robinson
Robinson was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2004 season. Robinson's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 2-14-0, making him the least successful defensive coordinator in San Francisco 49ers history.
Jim L. Mora (Jr.)
Mora (Jr.) was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1999-2003 seasons, a total of five years. The team made it to the playoffs two times (2001-2002) and had a 1-2 record under Coach Mora (Jr.) in playoff games.
John Marshall
Marshall was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1997-1998 seasons, a total of two years. Marshall's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 25-7-0, making him the second-most successful defensive coordinator in San Francisco 49ers history. The team made it to the playoffs two times (1997-1998) and had a 2-2 record under Coach Marshall in playoff games.
Pete Carroll
Carroll was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1995-1996 seasons, a total of two years. The team made it to the playoffs two times (1995-1996) and had a 1-2 record under Coach Carroll in playoff games.
Ray Rhodes
Rhodes was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1994 season. Rhodes' record as the team's defensive coordinator was 13-3-0, making him the most successful defensive coordinator in San Francisco 49ers history. The team made it to the playoffs one time (1994) and had a 3-0 record under Coach Rhodes in playoff games. In 1994, the San Francisco 49ers faced off against the San Diego Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX and the 49ers, under the direction of head coach George Seifert, won 49-26.
Bill McPherson
McPherson was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1989-1993 seasons, a total of five years. McPherson's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 62-18-0, making him the third-most successful defensive coordinator in San Francisco 49ers history. The team made it to the playoffs four times (1989-1990, 1992-1993) and had a 6-3 record under Coach McPherson in playoff games. In 1989, the San Francisco 49ers faced off against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXIV and the 49ers, under the direction of head coach George Seifert, won 55-10.
George Seifert
Seifert was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1983-1988 seasons, a total of six years. The team made it to the playoffs six times (1983-1988) and had a 7-4 record under Coach Seifert in playoff games. In 1984, the San Francisco 49ers faced off against the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl XIX and the 49ers, under the direction of head coach Bill Walsh, won 38-16. In 1988, the San Francisco 49ers faced off against the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII and the 49ers, under the direction of head coach Bill Walsh, won 20-16.
Chuck Studley
Studley was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1979-1982 seasons, a total of four years. The team made it to the playoffs one time (1981) and had a 3-0 record under Coach Studley in playoff games. In 1981, the San Francisco 49ers faced off against the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XVI and the 49ers, under the direction of head coach Bill Walsh, won 26-21.
Dan Radakovich
Radakovich was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1978 season. Radakovich's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 2-14-0, making him the least successful defensive coordinator in San Francisco 49ers history.
Paul Wiggin
Wiggin was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1974 season.
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator record
| Coach | Years | Record | Win percentage | Playoff record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Wilks | 2023 | 12-5-0 | 70.6% | 2-1 |
| DeMeco Ryans | 2021-2022 | 23-11-0 | 67.6% | 4-2 |
| Robert Saleh | 2017-2020 | 29-35-0 | 45.3% | 2-1 |
| Jim O'Neil | 2016 | 2-14-0 | 12.5% | 0-0 |
| Eric Mangini | 2015 | 5-11-0 | 31.3% | 0-0 |
| Vic Fangio | 2011-2014 | 44-19-1 | 69.5% | 5-3 |
| Greg Manusky | 2007-2010 | 26-38-0 | 40.6% | 0-0 |
| Bill Davis | 2005-2006 | 11-21-0 | 34.4% | 0-0 |
| Willy Robinson | 2004 | 2-14-0 | 12.5% | 0-0 |
| Jim L. Mora (Jr.) | 1999-2003 | 39-41-0 | 48.8% | 1-2 |
| John Marshall | 1997-1998 | 25-7-0 | 78.1% | 2-2 |
| Pete Carroll | 1995-1996 | 23-9-0 | 71.9% | 1-2 |
| Ray Rhodes | 1994 | 13-3-0 | 81.3% | 3-0 |
| Bill McPherson | 1989-1993 | 62-18-0 | 77.5% | 6-3 |
| George Seifert | 1983-1988 | 68-26-1 | 72.1% | 7-4 |
| Chuck Studley | 1979-1982 | 24-33-0 | 42.1% | 3-0 |
| Dan Radakovich | 1978 | 2-14-0 | 12.5% | 0-0 |
| Paul Wiggin | 1974 | 6-8-0 | 42.9% | 0-0 |
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator facts
- Paul Wiggin was the first defensive coordinator in 49ers history in 1974.
- George Seifert coached the most seasons as the 49ers's defensive coordinator at six seasons.
- Steve Wilks was the last coach to hold the position of defensive coordinator, leaving the role after the 2023 season.