The San Francisco 49ers have requested permission to speak with former Carolina Panthers interim head coach Steve Wilks for their defensive coordinator position, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.
The news comes after Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Monday that current 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans is likely headed to Houston to become the Texans' head coach.
Ian RapoportThe <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Texans</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/49ers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#49ers</a> DC DeMeco Ryans could meet as soon as this afternoon after he handles his SF responsibilities. If all goes well, a hire could be finalized Tuesday or Wednesday, sources say.