F
or the second consecutive offseason, the San Francisco 49ers are in search of a new defensive coordinator. Bringing back Robert Saleh at the start of 2025, the 49ers defense managed to play relatively well despite injuries to numerous star players, including Fred Warner and Nick Bosa. Saleh did a good enough job to warrant head coach interest again during this year’s coaching carousel cycle.
Now, Saleh is gone and back to being a head coach, landing the Tennessee Titans’ job. With Saleh no longer the 49ers’ defensive coordinator, the franchise is back to the drawing board in finding a new leader for the defense. Luckily, the 49ers may not have to work very hard to find a new defensive coordinator, with the 49ers’ defensive coordinator opening considered a very attractive job according to ESPN.
ESPN Ranks 49ers’ Defensive Coordinator Opening Very Highly
This offseason, nine defensive coordinator jobs opened up. But according to ESPN, the 49ers’ job is one of the league’s best openings, ranked at No. 2.
“The shoes in San Francisco are big ones to fill, as outgoing defensive coordinator Robert Saleh did tremendous work coaching around the lack of talent during the 49ers’ unlikely postseason run this season,” ESPN’s Benjamin Solak said. “With Fred Warner and Nick Bosa returning to health, the 49ers’ defensive roster has talent … but also big holes along the defensive line and in the cornerbacks room. This job has had not just Saleh but also DeMeco Ryans fill it in past seasons, and that history of success brings with it high expectations.”
The 49ers may have a lot of questions to answer this offseason at a lot of positions, but the recent track record of 49ers’ defensive coordinators becoming head coaches suggests that any coach looking to make a name for themselves should chomp at the bit for a chance to land in San Francisco.
Gus Bradley is the Clear Favorite… Or Is He?
Once Saleh left for the Titans, assistant head coach Gus Bradley became the immediate favorite, with past experience as a defensive coordinator for teams like the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders and Indianapolis Colts. But, Bradley could also be a candidate for other jobs, with teams like the Titans a potential destination for him if he does not remain in San Francisco. And if the 49ers interview someone else that they like, such as Raheem Morris, Bradley cannot be blocked from leaving the 49ers.
“Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed senior assistant Gus Bradley is a strong candidate for the job, calling him the “obvious” choice. Tennessee might also have interest in Bradley, and he can’t be blocked from leaving because he’s not currently a coordinator,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said. “But Bradley staying in San Francisco seems like a sensible move at this point. Raheem Morris is also an attractive option there.”
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post 49ers’ Defensive Coordinator Opening Ranked as One of the NFL’s Most Attractive appeared first on Heavy Sports.