49ers DB Coach Daniel Bullocks is a Coordinator in the Making

LAS VEGAS -- Super Bowl week has given the most attention to the popular players or coaches on the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs.

But this week also allows access to position coaches and depth chart players. One position coach who I was eager to talk to was 49ers defensive backs coach Daniel Bullocks. Entering this season, there was a narrative that the 49ers were weak in the secondary. That they needed to add another player.

However, the secondary of the 49ers has always been adequate, and it is thanks to the work of Bullocks. The 49ers led the league in interceptions this season, and while they weren't all from defensive backs, he gets some credit for that. Look at the players that have ascended under his watch. 

From Ambry Thomas, Deommodore Lenoir, Talanoa Hufanga, and even Charvarius Ward have all improved with him. It is nothing short of stellar. Defensive line coach Kris Kocurek is generally the most recognized and touted position coach on the 49ers, but I believe Bullocks is right there with him. 

Bullocks is a name that should be remembered because he is a defensive coordinator in the making.

"I don't think D.B. gets enough credit," said Tashaun Gipson. "He was probably the reason why I came here. He's probably one of the best coaches, if not the best defensive backs coach I've been around in my career and I've been around for a minute. I'm so thankful that I've had him. What he's done for this room. He's just been doing some things for us on the back end that's just been huge for me and I'm happy that he's my coach."

It isn't a matter of if, but when he will be one. The way he is able to dissect the game, how to relay coaching points, and his aura is defensive coordinator material. And dare I say, head coaching material? It is only a matter of time for him. He has been working his way up since he began his coaching career. 

From being an assistant defensive backs coach, a safeties coach, and now as a defensive backs coach. Bullocks is proving that the arrow is pointing up for him. His coaching career has been an upward trend, and it is one that people should buy stock in.

"He's an extremely hard worker," said Charvarius Ward. "He works like he has something to lose. He works like a hard-working player. You can tell he studies the opposite team's film, like he knows the offense we're going against like the back of his hand. I was just impressed by how smart he was. He's got great teaching ability, great coaching ability. I think he's a very good coach for sure."

Again, the work he has done to get the earlier mentioned players to grow is impressive. He may not be solely responsible, but he at the very least has a hand in each of those players' ascension. Lenoir transitioned to the slot successfully, Thomas becoming sturdy, Hufanga earning an All-Pro, and more can be attached to him.

"D.B. has been with me since my rookie year. He's been my guy," said Ambry Thomas. "Honestly, he got my confidence back on for this season and he always has me believing in myself and I appreciate him for that."

The NFL is a passing league. A coach with an emphasis on defensive backs should be coveted. They are the ones essentially getting a grasp of the entire field. Just look at how his players are talking about him, especially Gipson. He's talked as if he is a coordinator already. That goes to show how strong of a relationship he has built with his players and the type of leader he is.

Bullocks is bound to become a defensive coordinator. It is only a matter time, and I would bank on that happening sooner rather than later.