When Robert Saleh first left the San Francisco 49ers, the team was awarded two compensatory draft picks under the NFL's minority coaching development program, which incentivizes teams to develop candidates who are later hired as head coaches or general managers.
Saleh eventually returned to San Francisco as defensive coordinator following his head-coaching tenure with the New York Jets. Now, he is departing once again—this time to become the head coach of the Tennessee Titans.
This time around, however, the 49ers will not receive draft compensation for Saleh's departure.
Under league rules, qualifying minority candidates must have been employed by a team for at least two consecutive seasons before being hired away for a head coaching or general manager position. In addition, there must be no break in employment between teams.
Saleh's most recent stint in Santa Clara lasted just one season, which disqualifies the 49ers from receiving compensatory picks.
Had Saleh not been hired this coaching cycle and instead landed a head coaching job next year, San Francisco would have been eligible to receive compensatory third-round draft picks in two consecutive years.
While San Francisco's defense finished the regular season ranked 20th in total yards allowed and 13th in points allowed, the roster was depleted by injuries. The team still managed a 12-5 record and returned to the playoffs after missing the postseason the previous year.
San Francisco's season came to an end this past weekend with a loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional Round.
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