49ers Begin Search for Defensive Coordinator Following Saleh Departure

SANTA CLARA, CA — The San Francisco 49ers have formally begun their search for a new defensive coordinator following the departure of Robert Saleh, who is set to take over as head coach of the Tennessee Titans. The move marks the second consecutive offseason in which San Francisco has lost its defensive coordinator to another franchise, prompting a significant transition for a unit that has been central to the team’s identity.

Saleh’s tenure in San Francisco, including his return in 2025, was instrumental in stabilising a defense that navigated injuries to several key contributors. While the unit finished the season outside the league’s top statistical tier, it remained competitive, aided by disciplined schemes and strong situational execution—hallmarks that had long defined the 49ers’ defensive approach.

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Shanahan, Lynch Seek Seamless Transition

Head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch are understood to be approaching the coordinator search with a balance of continuity and measured evolution. Preserving the defensive framework that has underpinned recent success remains a priority, while recognising the need to adapt to the NFL’s increasingly complex and dynamic offensive trends.

League sources suggest the front office is committed to a methodical evaluation process rather than a rushed appointment, with the aim of identifying a leader capable of maximising a roster that continues to feature impact talent across all three defensive levels.

Multiple reports indicate the 49ers are considering a mix of internal and external candidates, with experience and familiarity with established schemes weighing heavily in early discussions. Assistant head coach Gus Bradley is viewed as a prominent internal option due to his extensive background as a defensive coordinator, while external names such as Jim Schwartz, Raheem Morris, and Brian Flores have also been linked to the role. Team sources indicate San Francisco is prioritising continuity while remaining open to perspectives that could further refine the unit.

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Defensive Stability Critical for 49ers’ Future

For a franchise that has consistently remained among the NFL’s contenders, the defensive coordinator position extends beyond staffing logistics. It represents a cornerstone of the 49ers’ competitive blueprint—one that has historically allowed the team to dictate tempo, generate pressure, and deliver consistency over the course of a demanding season.

San Francisco’s defense has shown resilience amid coaching turnover in recent years, but this latest transition will play a decisive role in shaping the unit’s trajectory heading into the next campaign. With Saleh now in Nashville and poised to oversee the Titans’ defense, the onus is on the 49ers to ensure their next appointment can sustain—and potentially elevate—the standards that have long defined the franchise.

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What’s Next

The 49ers have not announced a timetable for naming a successor. However, league expectations are that the search will accelerate in the coming weeks as organisations finalise coaching staffs ahead of offseason programs.

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Photo: Courtesy of the San Francisco 49ers (49ers.com)