That prompted Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area to ask Shanahan about those discussions. Needless to say, the 49ers coach is trying to keep his staff as intact as possible and minimize any departures.
"I keep telling him he's not allowed to take anyone," Shanahan jokingly told reporters on Wednesday. "Sometimes I can ease up a little bit on that, but I usually set the bar very low, and then we'll see what happens after."
Of course, Shanahan can no longer block a non-play-calling assistant from being promoted to a coordinator gig with another team. That means Saleh could select someone like run-game coordinator Mike McDaniel or passing-game coordinator Mike LaFleur, two of Shanahan's most-trusted game planners, to be his offensive coordinator. Saleh could even bring along someone from his current staff to be his defensive coordinator.
Then there is the possibility of someone from John Lynch's staff heading to Saleh's new team to be its general manager. VP of player personnel Adam Peters immediately comes to mind.
"Yeah, Saleh and I talk about everything," Shanahan said. "We've known each other for a long time. We obviously work together, and he's a good friend of mine. So, that's stuff we're constantly talking about. When it comes up, once you talk about it, there's not much to keep talking about. You never know until you see what opportunity he gets, and you see what his choices are."
Saleh was a candidate to land the Cleveland Browns job in January. Instead, Kevin Stefanski was selected. Shanahan joked then that Saleh luring away members of the 49ers staff could put a strain on their friendship.
"That would have been a tough part on our relationship," Shanahan said on January 13. "I would have never talked to him again if he did that."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Kyle Shanahan reveals what Keenan Allen brings to the 49ers after trade
The San Francisco 49ers made a move just hours before Tuesday's NFL trade deadline, acquiring wide receiver Keenan Allen from the Indianapolis Colts. The trade addresses a significant need for the 49ers, whose wide receiver depth has been depleted by injuries. Key... -
Kyle Shanahan shares 49ers injury updates, discusses Keenan Allen, Cowboys matchup
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters ahead of Wednesday's practice as the team prepares for its Week 10 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Here's everything he said. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. Opening... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan reveals his reaction to Mac Jones trade interest
Kyle Shanahan confirmed that multiple teams inquired about San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones ahead of the NFL trade deadline. However, nothing came of those discussions, with the 49ers' reported asking price exceeding what interested teams were willing to pay. Shanahan... -
49ers' Keenan Allen impressed with Brock Purdy, Kyle Shanahan, addresses Mike Evans beef
Wide receiver Keenan Allen will participate in his first practice with the San Francisco 49ers on Wednesday, giving him his first opportunity to catch passes from quarterback Brock Purdy as he begins learning head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. Allen was asked what he's...