The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-francisco-49ers">San Francisco 49ers</a> are taking all the necessary steps to improve their defense ahead of the upcoming season, especially after the poor results during the 2024 season. The first move was interviewing an experienced defensive coach who has won two Super Bowl rings as a player with the Pittsburgh Steelers.



According to the latest information, the 49ers interviewed Deshea Townsend, who is currently working with the Detroit Lions as their defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach since the 2024 season. Townsend has helped turn the Lions’ defense into one of the most lethal in the current season.



It’s worth noting that Townsend has been coaching in various defensive roles since 2011, working with six different NFL teams as well as the Mississippi State college football program. However, he has never had the opportunity to return to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pittsburgh-steelers">Steelers</a>, where he played from 1998 to 2009 and won two Super Bowls.



It’s also important to mention that the 49ers’ defense was a disaster during the 2024 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a> season. They ranked as the third-worst defense among the 32 teams, allowing an average of 25.6 points per game for a total of 436 points over 17 weeks. However, it’s valid to note the significant number of injuries to key players.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="692" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250110_BUS_310092_GettyImages-91424971-1024x692_b849f3d0.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=692" alt="William Gay #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers" class="wp-image-310103" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/10081750/GettyImages-91424971-1024x692.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/10081750/GettyImages-91424971-300x203.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/10081750/GettyImages-91424971-768x519.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/10081750/GettyImages-91424971-1536x1037.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/10081750/GettyImages-91424971-2048x1383.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>PITTSBURGH – OCTOBER 4: William Gay #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after he breaks up a pass in the second half against the San Diego Chargers at Heinz Field on October 4, 2009 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Why Are the 49ers Looking for a Defensive Coordinator?</h2>



It’s important to remember that Nick Sorensen was recently the defensive coordinator for the 49ers but has now been removed from the role. He will remain with the franchise in a different position, and the team currently has no defensive coordinator for the 2025 season. Sorensen held the role for just one season.


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<h2>Potential Improvements with Townsend</h2>



If Townsend becomes the 49ers’ defensive coordinator, it’s likely they will adopt a defensive line similar to what the Lions have, with more aggression and precision in their plays. This could potentially help avoid injuries with better player rotations depending on the game situation.

NFL News: 49ers interview defensive coach who won two Super Bowls with Steelers as a player

NFL News: 49ers interview defensive coach who won two Super Bowls with Steelers as a player - Bolavip US

49ers interview defensive coach who won two Super Bowls with Steelers as a player

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As the season slowly enters its decisive stages, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pittsburgh-steelers">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> continue to show tremendous potential, with their Super Bowl aspirations growing stronger with each passing week. Under the guidance of Mike Tomlin, they have emerged as a serious contender in the AFC. However, former franchise star Ben Roethlisberger remains cautious, tempering expectations regarding their current situation.



In a recent interview with Troy Montgomery of Steelers Depot, the former Steelers starting QB for many years expressed that Russell Wilson’s team still has several others ahead of them: “I can’t put the Steelers in the same category as Baltimore or the Bills yet.



“They need to go out in this next stretch of games where they have Washington coming in, and I think it’s Baltimore… They have a stretch where if they go out and show that they can beat these teams, these true contenders… if they can go show that they belong, I’ll move them up my list. But right now, I have them at four or five in the AFC,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/ben-roethlisberger">Roethlisberger</a> also stated.



Currently, Pittsburgh boasts a record of six wins and just two losses, firmly leading the AFC North. Although they share the conference with three tough rivals—Ravens, Bengals, and Browns—the performance of Tomlin’s squad has made them strong contenders to take the division title.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241106_BUS_266923_Mike-Tomlin-1-1024x576_540de50c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin" class="wp-image-264479" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Mike-Tomlin-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Mike-Tomlin-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Mike-Tomlin-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Mike-Tomlin-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Mike-Tomlin-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Mike-Tomlin-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Mike-Tomlin-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Mike-Tomlin-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin looks on before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Acrisure Stadium on November 02, 2023.</figcaption></figure>



In the near horizon loom the surprising Washington Commanders, who, led by rookie Jayden Daniels, are having an excellent campaign. If the Steelers win, they will undoubtedly solidify their place among the serious title contenders.


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<h2>A tough matchup against the Commanders, with expected returns</h2>



After a week off following their Bye Week, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-tomlin">Mike Tomlin</a>‘s Pittsburgh Steelers will return to action next weekend when they face the Washington Commanders, with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/nfl-news-mike-tomlin-gets-key-players-back-to-help-russell-wilson-for-game-against-commanders">notable return of key players to support Russell Wilson</a>.



According to the coach’s regular press conference, the players in question are none other than Cory Trice, Nick Herbig, Zach Frazier, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Tyler Matakevich. With these key players returning, the team strengthens its roster for a crucial matchup as they look ahead to what’s coming.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241106_BUS_266923_Pittsburgh-Steelers-1024x576_888dc715.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Pittsburgh Steelers" class="wp-image-252314" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Pittsburgh-Steelers-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Pittsburgh-Steelers-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Pittsburgh-Steelers-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Pittsburgh-Steelers-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Pittsburgh-Steelers.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers look on from the sideline during the third quarter of a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>An important boost for the Steelers</h2>



With the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a> trade deadline finally closed, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a last-minute trade that will significantly strengthen their roster. Wide receiver Mike Williams, coming from the New York Jets, will join the team to support <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/russell-wilson">Russell Wilson</a>, in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.



The Steelers’ offense has been one of their strongest points, and the addition of Mike Williams only strengthens that unit further. If they continue on this path, there’s no doubt that Mike Tomlin’s team is a serious contender this season.

NFL News: Ben Roethlisberger makes blunt admission on Steelers' Super Bowl chances

NFL News: Ben Roethlisberger makes blunt admission on Steelers' Super Bowl chances - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pittsburgh-steelers">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> experienced one of the most disappointing performances in week 4 when they suffered a blowout loss to the Texans. Despite giving up 30 points to a rookie quarterback, their biggest concern remains their offense, which could only produce six points in the defeat.



As reported by Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Steelers have signed wide receiver Denzel Mims to their practice squad. While many have speculated about the possible replacement of offensive coordinator Matt Canada, no official news has surfaced in that regard.


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With plenty of football left to play in the 2023 NFL season currently standing at 2-2 in a highly competitive division, the Steelers must focus on improving their offense to complement their dominant defense, which has often been the key to their victories.



<h2>Denzel Mims’ Career</h2>



Mims, a second-round draft pick of the Jets in 2020, spent three seasons in New York before being traded this offseason. While showing promise as a rookie, he struggled to secure a starting spot, amassing fewer catches than the 21 games he played over the next two seasons.



Following the Jets’ acquisition of several experienced receivers in free agency, Mims was dealt to the Lions in exchange for a swap of late-round draft picks. Unfortunately, he was waived with an injury just a month after the trade was finalized.



Mims is currently recovering from an ankle injury he sustained during training camp. His signing provides the Steelers with insurance at the wide receiver position, especially as they are still without Diontae Johnson, who is on injured reserve.



<h2>How Old Is Denzel Mims?</h2>



Denzel Mims is 25 years old.

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