The San Francisco 49ers have relieved Nick Sorensen of his duties as defensive coordinator, but they aim to retain him in a different capacity.

Why it matters: This marks the third change in defensive coordinators for the 49ers in as many seasons, highlighting the volatility of the position and the team's desire for improvement on that side of the ball.

• The 49ers' defense struggled this season, ranking low in several key categories such as scoring defense, defensive efficiency, QBR allowed, rushing yards allowed per game, and takeaways.

What's new: Nick Sorensen, who was promoted to defensive coordinator in March, has been removed from his role but may still contribute to the team in another position.

Yes, but: While Sorensen faced criticism for the team's defensive performance, linebacker Fred Warner defended him, suggesting that the blame should be shared among the players for not executing properly.

• Warner praised Sorensen's work throughout the season and emphasized the responsibility of the players to deliver on the field.

What to watch: Speculation is swirling regarding Sorensen's potential move to the vacant special teams coordinator position after Brian Schneider's departure. The decision would offer Sorensen an opportunity to continue contributing to the team in a different capacity.

• Several potential replacements for the defensive coordinator role have been mentioned, including Robert Saleh, Jeff Ulbrich, Gus Bradley, Brandon Staley, and Daniel Bullocks.

The bottom line: The 49ers are looking to make adjustments to their coaching staff after a disappointing defensive performance. While Sorensen's removal from the defensive coordinator role suggests the need for change, the team values his contributions and hopes to find a suitable role for him moving forward.

The San Francisco 49ers have relieved Nick Sorensen of his duties as defensive coordinator, but they aim to retain him in a different capacity.

Why it matters: This marks the third change in defensive coordinators for the 49ers in as many seasons, highlighting the volatility of the position and the team's desire for improvement on that side of the ball.

• The 49ers' defense struggled this season, ranking low in several key categories such as scoring defense, defensive efficiency, QBR allowed, rushing yards allowed per game, and takeaways.

What's new: Nick Sorensen, who was promoted to defensive coordinator in March, has been removed from his role but may still contribute to the team in another position.

Yes, but: While Sorensen faced criticism for the team's defensive performance, linebacker Fred Warner defended him, suggesting that the blame should be shared among the players for not executing properly.

• Warner praised Sorensen's work throughout the season and emphasized the responsibility of the players to deliver on the field.

What to watch: Speculation is swirling regarding Sorensen's potential move to the vacant special teams coordinator position after Brian Schneider's departure. The decision would offer Sorensen an opportunity to continue contributing to the team in a different capacity.

• Several potential replacements for the defensive coordinator role have been mentioned, including Robert Saleh, Jeff Ulbrich, Gus Bradley, Brandon Staley, and Daniel Bullocks.

The bottom line: The 49ers are looking to make adjustments to their coaching staff after a disappointing defensive performance. While Sorensen's removal from the defensive coordinator role suggests the need for change, the team values his contributions and hopes to find a suitable role for him moving forward.