Former Falcons HC Mike Smith underlines 'big, big' problem facing Kyle Shanahan's 49ers (Exclusive)
Head coach Kyle Shanahan and the San Francisco 49ers have gone through some major changes this offseason.
One of which was losing their defensive coordinator, DeMeco Ryans, who left the position to become the head coach of the Houston Texans this offseason.
Mike Smith, former NFL defensive coordinator and head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, shared his thoughts on the situation on "The Ballfather Podcast." He thinks the 49ers' ability to handle the change will dictate their season:
"I think the big thing is, can they replace their defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans, who's now in Houston with the Houston Texans? I think that's going to be the big, big thing."
The San Francisco 49ers under Ryans the last two seasons were one of the best defensive units in the NFL. San Francisco finished in the top ten for the fewest yards allowed per game in each of the last two seasons, including the second-fewest last season with 299.7 yards.
Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers hired Steve Wilks to replace Ryans at defensive coordinator. However, another major concern for the 49ers is the quarterback position.
Mike Smith on Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers' QB concerns
Mike Smith also spoke about the departure of longtime signal-caller Jimmy Garoppolo to the Las Vegas Raiders, and the job Shanahan has done:
"The quarterback that everybody thought was going to be the quarterback 15 months ago, Jimmy Garoppolo, is gone and he's with the Raiders. So there's been some drama in San Francisco quarterback drama.
"But I think Kyle Shanahan is a great offensive coach, a great head coach. He's done a super job."
He also noted that the 49ers' head coach can deal with the drama surrounding the quarterback position entering the 2023 season:
"I do think he can handle the drama. He's done it throughout his career.
"If anybody's going to get Sam Darnold right, it's going to be Kyle Shanahan. So I think it's a good situation."
The 49ers currently have Trey Lance, Brock Purdy, and Sam Darnold as their options at quarterback.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit The Ballfather podcast and H/T Sportskeeda.