Robert Saleh's second stint with the San Francisco 49ers lasted only one season, and now the team is looking for a new defensive coordinator after their former DC departed for Nashville to coach the Tennessee Titans. Saleh's defense, ravaged by injuries, played relatively well and helped the team reach the divisional round of the playoffs. The 49ers now turn their attention to building off of that postseason run and improving upon last season's performance.

Changes will be made this offseason. Every team undergoes some change, and the 49ers' defense certainly looked different in 2025 than in 2024, becoming one of the youngest defenses in the NFL. But one NFL analyst, Benjamin Solak, of ESPN, believes the 49ers will transform even more by overhauling the defense this offseason. We expect changes, especially with a new coordinator coming in. But Solak seems to suggest the changes to the 49ers' defense won't be small.


A group of ESPN writers published an article on Thursday with predictions for the 2026 NFL offseason. Some of the predictions for the 49ers include:


One of the most interesting predictions came from Solak, who wrote, "The 49ers will go for a defensive overhaul. Expect the 49ers to pursue John Franklin-Myers, an old pal of Saleh from his Jets days, and Trey Hendrickson, who makes sense on a one-year deal. They could swing for a big trade, too. Kayvon Thibodeaux, anyone?"

Last offseason, the 49ers overhauled the defense, moving on from players like LB Dre Greenlaw, S Talanoa Hufanga, CB Charvarius Ward, DT Maliek Collins, and DE Leonard Floyd. The theme was "younger and cheaper." This offseason, the 49ers must change course and look to bring in some players who can help the defense improve over its 2025 performance. It's no coincidence that the players San Francisco lost last offseason match some of the needs they have in 2026.

Getting Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Mykel Williams back from season-ending injuries will help. But San Francisco needs to upgrade the pass rush, find some players to help the run defense, and improve the secondary. Will it take an overhaul, as Solak suggested? Perhaps. But this is a critical offseason for the 49ers, particularly on defense. And all potential trades and free agent moves should be on the table for GM John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan.


But this time, they'll have to do it without Saleh.

Written By:

Marc Adams


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