49ers plan to hire former Panthers interim coach Steve Wilks as new defensive coordinator 

The 49ers plan to name Steve Wilks as the team’s next defensive coordinator, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday. Wilks will replace DeMeco Ryans, who the Texans hired as their next head coach on Jan. 31.

Wilks started last season as the Carolina Panthers’ passing game coordinator and secondary coach on head coach Matt Rhule’s staff before taking over as interim head coach after Rhule was fired on Oct. 11.

Wilks, 53, led the Panthers to a 6-6 record down the stretch, nearly vaulting Carolina into a shocking playoff position. Following the season, Wilks interviewed for the Panthers’ head-coaching job, which eventually went to former Colts head coach Frank Reich.