Report: Chargers request interview with 49ers' Wilks for coaching vacancy

The Los Angeles Chargers are requesting an interview with San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks for their vacant head coaching job, sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport.

Wilks, 54, possesses some head coaching experience and has had several stints as a position coach and defensive coordinator. His first opportunity at leading a team came when the Arizona Cardinals hired him prior to the 2018 season. However, he was relieved of his duties at the end of the season after posting a league-worst 3-13 mark.

Wilks received another opportunity when he was named the interim head coach of the Carolina Panthers in October of 2022, after the franchise dismissed Matt Rhule. He led the Panthers to a 6-6 record but was not offered the full-time coaching role after the season.

San Francisco hired Wilks to be its defensive play-caller after his predecessor, DeMeco Ryans, was hired as head coach by the Houston Texans. The Niners' defense continued to play up to the franchise's standard in 2023, surrendering only 17.5 points per game while finishing in the top 10 in average yards allowed per contest (303.9).

The Chargers have also sent requests to interview Detroit Lions coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. L.A. has also requested to meet with Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Rapoport reports. Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is another candidate that the club wants to speak with, per Pelissero.

The Chargers are seeking their next head coach after dismissing Brandon Staley alongside general manager Tom Telesco in December. The AFC West franchise concluded the 2023 season with a 5-12 record.