The San Francisco 49ers have reportedly interviewed at least three candidates for their vacant defensive coordinator position following the departure of Robert Saleh, who was named head coach of the Tennessee Titans. Saleh spent just one season with the 49ers—his second stint under head coach Kyle Shanahan—before earning another head-coaching opportunity.
It's a familiar trend for Shanahan, and one he would undoubtedly like to see end. Saleh's brief return also prevents the 49ers from receiving compensatory draft picks for his departure, as he did not remain with the team long enough to qualify.
"We've had some real good coaches, and I'm very happy for Saleh and his family, that they got what they deserve," Shanahan said last week. "Wish it was maybe a year later because I would have loved to have Saleh for another year. Also, would have loved a draft choice, but it's part of having good people around here."
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After Saleh's first departure—following his tenure as the 49ers' defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020—the team maintained continuity by hiring internal candidate DeMeco Ryans as his replacement. He held the role for two seasons. That stability ended after the 2022 season, when the Houston Texans hired Ryans as their head coach.
Since then, the 49ers have experienced constant turnover at the position. Steve Wilks lasted one season in 2023 before being dismissed. Nick Sorensen replaced him in 2024 but was also let go after one year. Saleh's 2025 return ultimately became another short-term stop.
That revolving door has forced players to adjust to a new defensive system nearly every season. For established veterans like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, the transitions have been manageable. However, for the younger talent, the repeated changes can require far greater adjustment.
Among the known candidates the 49ers have interviewed are former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, Las Vegas Raiders pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach Joe Woods, and San Francisco assistant head coach Gus Bradley.
Bradley is viewed as the top internal candidate for the position, and a transition from Saleh would likely be easier on players due to his familiarity with the system. The lingering question, however, is whether he represents the best overall option.
Shanahan is known to hold Morris in high regard. The former Falcons head coach brings extensive experience and must be considered a leading candidate for the role. That said, there is always the risk that strong performance could place him back in the head-coaching cycle, potentially forcing the 49ers to search for another replacement sooner than they would prefer.
There is also familiarity with Woods, who spent one season with the 49ers as their defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator. He was part of the team's 2019 Super Bowl run.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero has also reported that the 49ers could have interest in Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz if he becomes available. Schwartz remains under contract in Cleveland but has indicated he does not plan to stay after being passed over for the team's head coaching job. That situation still needs to play out.
The 49ers' defense endured numerous injuries during the 2025 season, but when healthy, it remains one of the league's most talented units. Still, some around the NFL believe the team's championship window could be narrowing. After navigating adversity and returning to the playoffs this season, San Francisco may not be able to afford a transitional year on defense.
If the 49ers hope to maintain sustained success, their next hire must be more than a short-term placeholder.
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