Not long ago, the NFL community celebrated the San Francisco 49ers. After demoting Nick Sorensen from his defensive coordinator role and parting ways with special teams coordinator Brian Schneider, there was hope that the franchise could bounce back. With a 6-11 record, a draft pick just outside the top ten, a new coaching staff, and a healthier roster after three tough seasons, optimism returned. However, that optimism is quickly fading as other teams fill their defensive coordinator vacancies.
Now, desperation grows in the Bay Area as Robert Saleh remains a top candidate for a head coaching position.
49ers Need to Act Quickly
To date, the 49ers have interviewed only two candidates for their defensive coordinator position — Robert Saleh and Detroit Lions passing-game coordinator Deshea Townsend. Assistant Brandon Staley is also expected to interview, but all signs point to Saleh as the frontrunner.
Last week, The Athletic’s Matt Barrows described the 49ers’ approach as “Robert Saleh or bust.” But after Monday’s developments, the situation feels more like a bust.
According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, Saleh is set for a second head coaching interview with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday. Fowler noted that Saleh made a strong impression in his first interview, leading to this follow-up.
The 49ers must now wait until at least Friday for Saleh’s decision. If he accepts Jacksonville’s offer, San Francisco will be left scrambling for alternatives.
Further complicating matters, their presumed second choice, Jeff Ulbrich, was hired by the Atlanta Falcons over the weekend. Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts hired Lou Anarumo as their defensive coordinator, and new Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson is reportedly trying to recruit Dennis Allen for his staff.
The 49ers are partly to blame for their predicament. Despite having three weeks to interview multiple candidates, they chose to wait, banking on Saleh’s return. While it’s still possible, this lack of urgency has left them vulnerable to disappointment.
Now, they’re forced to play the waiting game, and their options are dwindling.
Remaining Defensive Coordinator Options
San Francisco could pivot to Townsend. However, with Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn possibly leaving for a head coaching role, Townsend might be in line for a promotion in Detroit.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has also shown interest in former Seahawks and Colts coordinator Gus Bradley, a key figure in the Legion of Boom and the Cover 3 scheme that Saleh employs.
However, Bradley’s recent track record is concerning. His defenses have ranked 26th in points allowed over the past four seasons and struggled against the run. In 2024, the Colts finished 24th in rushing defense — far from the standard the 49ers are seeking.
The team could also try to persuade Allen to turn down Chicago, but that seems increasingly unlikely.
Their final option may be promoting Brandon Staley. While unpopular with fans, it could become a necessity if other options fall through. This decision would raise eyebrows, as it would seem contradictory to their decision to move on from Sorensen after Week 18.
Despite a lackluster stint as the Los Angeles Chargers head coach, Staley found success as the Rams’ defensive coordinator. During his tenure, the Rams allowed the second-fewest points and fourth-fewest rushing yards per game in the league. This history might justify why the 49ers are still considering him.
For now, the 49ers must act decisively before their remaining options disappear entirely.
