
San Francisco is moving swiftly to fill key coaching positions. On Thursday, the 49ers confirmed they had interviewed former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh and Detroit Lions defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator, Deshea Townsend.
NFL insider Josina Anderson reported that the team is considering offering Saleh the Defensive Coordinator role. While it’s unclear if a formal offer was made during the interview, this signals progress toward a potential reunion with their former coach.
Saleh remains the top candidate for the position but is also pursuing head coaching opportunities. Reports indicate he has scheduled interviews with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders in the coming weeks.
Whether the 49ers will wait for Robert Saleh to complete his interviews before making a decision remains uncertain, but his candidacy is far from surprising this offseason.
Robert Saleh: A Proven Game-Changer
Under Nick Sorensen, the 49ers experienced a sharp decline in defensive performance, with sacks and takeaways dropping by double digits. Alarmingly, the team allowed nearly 125 rushing yards per game this season. In contrast, during Saleh’s tenure, San Francisco’s run defense consistently held opponents to fewer than 116 yards per game.
Saleh served as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020. His 2019 unit ranked among the NFL’s best, finishing sixth in forced turnovers (27), second in total defense (281.8 yards per game), first in passing defense (169.2 yards per game), and fourth in sacks (48). That dominant defense played a crucial role in propelling the 49ers to Super Bowl 54, where they fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in a hard-fought 31–20 loss.
Whether the 49ers will wait for Robert Saleh to complete his interviews before making a decision remains uncertain, but his candidacy is far from surprising this offseason.
During his final two seasons with San Francisco, Robert Saleh’s defense consistently ranked in the top five, showcasing his ability to build elite units. This proven track record is why the 49ers are confident he can address their current defensive struggles.
ESPN analysts Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler recently weighed in on Saleh’s future, with Graziano identifying the 49ers as the frontrunners to secure the coach’s return.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported, ‘Several people I’ve spoken with see former Jets head coach Robert Saleh as the favorite to return to San Francisco as their new defensive coordinator. However, Saleh is also scheduled to interview for the Jaguars’ head coaching vacancy, so it’s likely he’ll explore that opportunity before considering a coordinator role.’
As the 49ers await Saleh’s decision, Detroit Lions coach Deshea Townsend emerges as a compelling alternative for the position.
49ers Shaking Things Up?
Last season, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan emphasized a return to fundamentals after parting ways with Steve Wilks. This year, Shanahan appears more open than ever to making bold adjustments to propel the team toward a Super Bowl victory.
“I’m not saying you’ve got to change schemes,” Shanahan explained, “but you need the ability, the experience, and the knowledge to adapt in certain situations. I think that’s something we need to emphasize moving forward.”
While Deshea Townsend may not be the obvious choice, he offers a fresh perspective and a proven track record of effectiveness. As the Lions’ passing game coordinator, Townsend’s unit led the NFL this season with an 82 passer rating allowed and ranked fourth in defensive passing DVOA.
In addition to his impressive coaching credentials, Townsend brings a wealth of experience and pedigree from his time as both a coach and player.
The 49-year-old Deshea Townsend had an illustrious 13-season playing career, highlighted by two Super Bowl victories as a cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Since hanging up his cleats, Townsend has accumulated 14 years of coaching experience with stints at the Arizona Cardinals, Mississippi State, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and most recently, the Detroit Lions.
In addition to considering Townsend, the San Francisco 49ers plan to interview current assistant defensive coordinator Brandon Staley for their open defensive coordinator position.
Leave a Reply