DC Candidates with Saleh Gone | Page 2

OnTheClock · 2026-01-20T04:36:37-08:00

There were too many openings, he was as good as gone. At least he went to the AFC. Obvious choice to me for continuity is Jim Schwartz. Raheem Morris if they tweak the system, he'll never get another HC job. Flores is a maybe. He's good but just another guy who could leave quickly. Gus Bradley should only be a last resort and hopefully that's why they brought him in, thinking we'd at least have someone if we made a deeper run and everyone else was gone. I think he johns Saleh if he's not selected.

Jan 20, 2026 at 6:29 AM

#16

ninerfan4life
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Posts: 26,987

We need someone to hold down the fort until Saleh comes back in 2 years

Jan 20, 2026 at 6:31 AM

#17

Fanaticofnfl
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Posts: 21,305

I'm like 99% sure it'll be Bradley. This fanbase will be underwhelmed but the results next season will determine if it's for the better.

Jan 20, 2026 at 6:31 AM

#18

genus49
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Posts: 28,577

Odds are it will be Gus Bradley...

But I'm definitely hoping for Schwartz or Morris. I think both are proven and would be great fits here.

Schwartz would probably be the best choice given he and Coach K have a built in connection and he's VERY proven. Morris obviously has a built in connection with Shanahan.

Jan 20, 2026 at 6:47 AM

#19

A49ER08
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Posts: 1,032

No to Bradley please

Jan 20, 2026 at 6:54 AM

#20

mtl_49er
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Posts: 543

Schwartz would be the dream that I fully expect won't happen. Any HC that takes that job knows the risks of working for a poverty franchise - why take the chance to drop the only thing they have going for them?

Jan 20, 2026 at 7:07 AM

#21

CatchMaster80
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Posts: 21,108

Originally posted by genus49:
Odds are it will be Gus Bradley...

But I'm definitely hoping for Schwartz or Morris. I think both are proven and would be great fits here.

Schwartz would probably be the best choice given he and Coach K have a built in connection and he's VERY proven. Morris obviously has a built in connection with Shanahan.

The problem with bringing in a high profile DC is he'll be gone quickly if they have any success. I hat ethese constant changes because it makes it hard on the players when a new coach is coming in every year or two. Unfortunately that's the way it is in the NFL now. I wonder how many coaches are still getting paid from former jobs?

Jan 20, 2026 at 7:13 AM

#22

father49er
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Posts: 7,508

I wonder if Ulbrich will join Saleh in Tennessee. I recall we tried to hire him away from the Jets, but Saleh blocked it.

Jan 20, 2026 at 7:17 AM

#23

CatchMaster80
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Posts: 21,108

Originally posted by father49er:
I wonder if Ulbrich will join Saleh in Tennessee. I recall we tried to hire him away from the Jets, but Saleh blocked it.

I read that he's already signed a new 3 year deal to stay in Atlanta.

Jan 20, 2026 at 7:22 AM

#24

Brucey72
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Posts: 1,252

Kinda hope it's an outsider. They have been running the same scheme for years and it could be beneficial to get a fresh scheme

Jan 20, 2026 at 7:24 AM

#25

Koldo
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Posts: 5,705

I fully expect Kyle to f* this up and give the job to Bradley.

Jan 20, 2026 at 7:26 AM

#26

GorefullBore
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Posts: 4,453

Originally posted by _Goldblooded_:
Agree with these.

Schwartz will likely be retained by the new HC in Cleveland even if he himself doesn't get the job. He is still under contract so he isn't available unless a new HC want their own guy.

Would Flores just re-up in Minnesota if he doesn't get an HC gig?

Would we switch to a 3-4 for Morris?

Other than his time with the Rams, Raheem is a 4-3 guy.

Jan 20, 2026 at 7:29 AM

#27

CatchMaster80
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Posts: 21,108

Originally posted by Koldo:
I fully expect Kyle to f* this up and give the job to Bradley.

What's wrong with Bradley. He was the guy that called the shots in Seattle with the original legion of boom.

Jan 20, 2026 at 7:32 AM

#28

BYisGod
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Posts: 16,362

Originally posted by CatchMaster80:

Originally posted by Koldo:
I fully expect Kyle to f* this up and give the job to Bradley.

What's wrong with Bradley. He was the guy that called the shots in Seattle with the original legion of boom.

That's 10 years ago. I think that's the issue. The game has changed.

Jan 20, 2026 at 7:38 AM

#29

CatchMaster80
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Posts: 21,108

Originally posted by BYisGod:

Originally posted by CatchMaster80:

Originally posted by Koldo:
I fully expect Kyle to f* this up and give the job to Bradley.

What's wrong with Bradley. He was the guy that called the shots in Seattle with the original legion of boom.

That's 10 years ago. I think that's the issue. The game has changed.

It's not like he's been retired during that time. He knows what's going on. I don't know how he'll be as DC here but you can say the same thing about anyone they bring in. It all comes down to having the players that can do the job. Right now the 49ers need to upgrade their defense. Even if it's depth in the later rounds.

Jan 20, 2026 at 7:38 AM

#30

_Goldblooded_
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Posts: 14,138

Originally posted by BYisGod:
That's 10 years ago. I think that's the issue. The game has changed.

Agree. Defense has evolved a lot in the last 3 years alone.