Kyle Shanahan reveals why he wanted Steve Wilks to coach from the sidelines
This defense is used to seeing their coordinator pumped up on the sidelines.
During the 49ers’ bye week, Kyle Shanahan stated that he will consider the possibility of going from the coach’s booth to the sidelines with Steve Wilks.
When addressing to the media Wednesday afternoon, Shanahan revealed the game plan for Wilks against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday:
“We’re going to put him out there this week.” We’ve been talking about it for a little while. It has advantages and disadvantages. However, we’ll see what we think of it this week.”
Shanahan went against the grain when asked what his personal preference would be:
“I enjoy being in the box.” If I went up there, I’m afraid you’d judge me too harshly. I might be if it ever gets cold enough. You get a chair and a desk, as well as a lot of paper.”
Shanahan stated before taking over as head coach of the 49ers that he had coached on the sidelines for eight years as opposed to just one in the booth.
When asked why he was moving Wilks now, Shanahan sounded as if he wanted Wilks to be more hands-on, as he had with his previous two coordinators:
“You know all of the advantages to some of the stuff you do up in the box, which are great. But I did want him to be a little closer to our guys.
They’ve had it more in the past, simply with linebacker communication. “I want him down there so he can talk to the guys more.”
This is an energy-fueled defense. From the sidelines, Robert Saleh coached with his heart on his sleeve, while DeMeco Ryans invented the phrase “energy vampires.” Wilks’ move to the bench may be as much about the players and their ability to communicate as it is about him.
