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.

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

While Kyle Shanahan promoted Klay Kubiak to San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator earlier this week, the NFL requires all teams to interview at least two external minority candidates.

Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reports that the 49ers will need to conduct an open search for their offensive coordinator position, even though HC Kyle Shanahan