49ers’ Defensive Coordinator Search Heats Up: Top Candidate for 49ers’ Defensive Job Exposed
The San Francisco 49ers aren’t wasting time when it comes to finding a new defensive coordinator.
On Tuesday night, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports reported that Nick Sorensen will not return to the 49ers next season as their defensive coordinator. Kyle Shanahan would like to keep Sorensen on his staff in a lesser role, but he doesn’t want him as his defensive play-caller. That being said, he must find yet another coach to lead his defense. Although a deal hasn’t materialized, he seems more than willing to reunite with a familiar face.
According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, the 49ers are expected to offer their defensive coordinator position to Robert Saleh.
“Just-in: I’m told Robert Saleh’s first head coach interview with the #Jaguars is Tuesday. Another head coach interview is expected thereafter,” Anderson said. “The #49ers are also expected to make him an offer at defensive coordinator, per sources.”
Saleh ran San Francisco’s defense from 2017-2020 before becoming the head coach of the New York Jets. He played a big role in the franchise’s run to the Super Bowl in 2019. His defense ranked sixth in turnovers and second in total defense.
We’d have to imagine that Nick Bosa and Fred Warner would love to work with Saleh again.
The Jets fired Saleh after just five games this season. He finished his tenure in the Big Apple with a 20-36 record. The defensive-minded coach has been helping the Green Bay Packers of late as an offensive consultant.
When the Jets relieved Saleh of his duties in October, Shanahan admit that he was “pretty shocked.” And yet, it’s that exact move that opened the door up for a potential reunion.
Shanahan won’t just be searching for a new defensive coordinator this offseason. He also has to replace special teams coordinator Brian Schneider. The team let him go after his unit ranked last in expected points added.
