Chris Harris was reportedly heading from Washington to Tennessee, but there could be a change of plans. According to Josina Anderson (via Twitter), the 49ers are hoping to interview Harris for their defensive coordinator vacancy. They have moved forward with an interview request, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.
[RELATED: Texans Hire DeMeco Ryans As HC]
After most recently serving as Washington’s defensive backs coach, we heard earlier this month that Harris was set to join the Titans as their their defensive pass game coordinator and cornerbacks coach. No deal was finalized, leaving the door open for Harris renege on the agreement. A promotion to defensive coordinator would obviously be an opportunity the 40-year-old couldn’t refuse, but there’s still a good chance he lands in Tennessee if things don’t work out with San Francisco.
Harris has spent the past three years with Washington, helping develop a number of defensive backs behind veterans Kendall Fuller and Bobby McCain. Washington’s defense only allowed 3,252 passing yards this past season, good for fourth in the NFL. They also allowed opposing QBs to complete only 59.9 percent of their passes, the second-best mark in the NFL. As a result, Harris became a hot name on the coaching circuit, with the Bears also making a run at him.
The 49ers are officially in the market for a new defensive coordinator after DeMeco Ryans agreed to become the new Texans head coach. We heard earlier today that the 49ers requested an interview with former Panthers interim HC Steve Wilks, and Anderson confirms that the organization is set to speak with the coach. Anderson also notes that Vic Fangio is also in contention for the gig; Fangio was reportedly heading to the Dolphins to become their defensive coordinator, but that move has yet to become official.
The 49ers could use a DB whisperer.
I would love this move..
Continue letting Kocurek, Holland, and Tapp handle the front seven and coordinate the running gameplans, and let Harris, Undlin, Bullocks, and Sorenson handle the backend of the defense and coordinate their passing gameplans.
After likely losing Moseley, Ward, Gipson, etc. the 49ers will have to remake a large portion of their secondary. Unless the 49ers are able to get these guys at a discount again, unfortunately, they’re likely going to be offered more money elsewhere…
I wouldn’t really mind Fangio either, but the 49ers would have to stay in their Wide 9 front…
They aren’t built right for a 3-4 defense..