SANTA CLARA — Maybe — just maybe — this is the next evolution of Kyle Shanahan. Perhaps this is the form the ninth-year and now beleaguered 49ers head coach — who sat at the dais at Levi’s Stadium, unshaven and gaunt after a Super Bowl-or-bust season turned into a six-win, never-sniffed-the-playoffs nightmare — has always needed to take.

The San Francisco 49ers are on the search for a defensive coordinator once again after firing Nick Sorensen following just one season in that role.

In retrospect, Nick Sorensen was doomed from the start. That's why Kyle Shanahan is looking to hire a more experienced defensive coordinator this time around.

Bad news for Kyle Shanahan, who had planned to name Klay Kubiak as OC for the upcoming NFL season. It appears a rule prevents him from receiving that kind of promotion.

The San Francisco 49ers are promoting Klay Kubiak from offensive passing game specialist to offensive coordinator, head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters

The San Francisco 49ers may have had a disastrous season, but head coach Kyle Shanahan wants his team to end the year on a high note. In the season finale, the 49ers will face the Detroit Lions for the first time since the two teams met in the NFC Championship last season.