Michael

Wilhoite

Wilhoite got an interview with the Saints for their defensive coordinator opening in 2022, but was let go after the season in Los Angeles as the Chargers defense surrendered a 27-7 halftime lead to the Jaguars in the Wild Card round. This is essentially a lateral move for the 36-year-old, and he has plenty of time to rebuild his reputation in Denver.

Just last year Wilhoite landed an interview for the Saints’ defensive coordinator opening. A former linebacker for the 49ers and Seahawks, Wilhoite held LA’s linebackers coaching position for two seasons. It appears head coach Brandon Staley is safe, but his staff is undergoing a massive restructuring.

This is the first we’ve seen of Wilhoite being on anybody’s radar for a DC job. He was a Saints special teams assistant and defensive assistant before leaving for a position coach job with the Chargers. He’s only 35 and last played with the Seahawks in 2017.

Undrafted out of Washburn, Wilhoite may get a look on special teams if he makes it up on game days. By using the roster spot on Wilhoite instead of a kicker, it’s a sign that David Akers (pelvis) is healthy enough to play on Sunday.

Willis got in limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday. He admitted he’s still sore and fighting through the pain of the pull he sustained on Sept. 22. Backup Michael Wilhoite had seven tackles in last week’s thrashing of the Rams.

Gerald Hodges got the first-team reps on Wednesday, but O’Neil said Hodges, Ray-Ray Armstrong and Michael Wilhoite will see equal time with the first-team throughout OTAs. Wilhoite started the first 12 games last year, but a late-season ankle injury opened the door for Hodges, who was acquired via trade in October. Armstrong will get his shot, but the competition will likely come down to Hodges and Wilhoite.

Wilhoite, 30, made 36 starts for the 49ers over the previous four seasons. After losing Brock Coyle to the 49ers and Michael Morgan a free agent, the Seahawks are looking for linebacker depth. Wilhoite should be cheap.

Wilhoite has a chance to replace Michael Morgan, but isn’t more than a short-term placeholder. He’ll likely face competition from a draft pick in training camp. Wilhoite was one of the worst run stoppers in the league on limited snaps last year, and is below average in coverage.

Wilhoite chewed up snaps for the 49ers’ ineffective defense the past two seasons, but was part of the problem. Now on the wrong side of 30, Wilhoite should be given a shot to compete on the strong side but will likely settle in as a reserve.

Wilhoite has finally decided to sign his tender. He was easily the last one to do so. Wilhoite struggled as a starter last season and will face competition from Gerald Hodges for the job next to ILB NaVorro Bowman.