The 49ers’ hunt for the next defensive coordinator has produced an unexpected contender.

The San Francisco 49ers are currently on the lookout for their next defensive coordinator, and an unexpected name has emerged in the mix – Dave Merritt, the defensive backs coach from the Kansas City Chiefs. The team’s search for a new defensive coordinator has brought them back to the aftermath of Super Bowl LVIII, where they narrowly lost to the Chiefs in a thrilling overtime encounter, resulting in a 25-22 defeat on February 11 in Las Vegas.

Following this defeat, Coach Kyle Shanahan swiftly made the decision to part ways with Steve Wilks, marking the end of Wilks’ one-year tenure with the 49ers. As the search for a new defensive coordinator intensifies, Dave Merritt has surfaced as the fourth known candidate under consideration.

The confirmation of Merritt’s candidacy comes from a reliable league source, and the initial report was made by Mike Garafolo of NFL Media. Shanahan has been diligently conducting interviews to find the right fit for the position. Apart from Merritt, other candidates include former Los Angeles Chargers coach Brandon Staley and 49ers pass-game specialist Nick Sorensen. Additionally, the team is considering an in-house candidate in the form of secondary coach Daniel Bullocks.

Dave Merritt, 52, has been serving as the defensive backs coach for the Kansas City Chiefs since 2019. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in developing the Chiefs’ secondary, with notable success stories like Charvarius Ward. Ward, who excelled under Merritt’s guidance, eventually signed with the 49ers in free agency two years ago and has since emerged as a Pro Bowl cornerback in the current season.

Merritt’s coaching journey has its roots in his playing days as an Arizona Cardinals’ linebacker from 1993 to 1995. Transitioning from a player to a coach, he has accumulated a wealth of experience in the NFL. His coaching achievements include five Super Bowl rings as a defensive assistant, with two coming from his time with the New York Giants (2014-2017) and three with the Kansas City Chiefs (2019-2023).

Interestingly, Merritt’s connection with the 49ers extends to the 2018 season when he served as the defensive backs coach for the Arizona Cardinals. During that season, the head coach of the Cardinals was none other than Steve Wilks, the recently departed 49ers defensive coordinator. This connection adds an intriguing layer to Merritt’s potential candidacy for the role.

As the 49ers weigh their options in the search for a new defensive coordinator, Dave Merritt brings a wealth of experience, success, and a connection to the team’s recent history. The outcome of this search could shape the defensive strategies and performance of the 49ers in the upcoming seasons.