The Niners could be in a similar situation next year if they have a reunion at defensive coordinator
The San Francisco 49ers are currently underway in their search for a defensive coordinator, with many speculating that a familiar face will reunite with head coach Kyle Shanahan, be it Robert Saleh or Jeff Ulbrich.
Saleh, who was fired as the head coach of the New York Jets this season, was the 49ers defensive coordinator from 2017-20, joining Shanahan in his inaugural season.
Ulbrich, on the other hand, was the linebackers coach with the Atlanta Falcons from 2015-19, overlapping with Shanahan before joining Saleh as his defensive coordinator in 2021.
Both candidates provide a sense of familiarity and continuity on the defensive side of the ball, which could be key in returning the high level of play that 49ers fans were used to during the Shanahan era.
As the hiring process goes on, reports continue to suggest that the 49ers are targeting either candidate to be their next coordinator, and they’ve yet to conduct any other interviews aside from the ones with Saleh and Detroit Lions defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator Deshea Townsend.
We know the benefits that Saleh can bring. The 49ers excelled as a defense when he was the coordinator, as they built a strong defensive line that could generate pressure.
In their years with the Jets, despite a tumultuous campaign, the defense was still elite, ranking in the top five in yards allowed, as well as a number of other categories, in each of the past three seasons.
Additionally, his infectious persona seemed to always energize the team, which carried throughout the locker room.
So, with all of the perceived benefits, what are the risks of hiring Saleh as the team’s next defensive coordinator?
Well, yesterday, we broke down the issues with the team’s personnel, which don’t seem to fit the ‘Wide 9’ scheme very well at the moment, especially when it comes to defending the run, as we’ve seen over the past two seasons. That stems from the 49ers not having that presence of a space-eater on the interior that can help plug holes and rush the passer when necessary.
However, there is another factor that is more future-looking, but could still be considered in the process: Saleh getting a head coaching job sooner than later.
Despite the up-and-down campaign in New York, it’s clear that Saleh still has a good amount of supporters around the NFL, as he’s already been requested for a head coaching interview with the New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, and Jacksonville Jaguars this cycle.
The perception from several reports seems to be that Saleh would be interested in San Francisco’s job this cycle if he cannot get a head coaching gig. But, there will very likely be interest in him as a head coach once again next offseason, especially if the 49ers do better as a defense.
That seems likely, given that the 49ers are expected to face one of the easiest schedules in the NFL and have the resources to add and fix some of their holes this offseason, be it via the draft or in free agency.
If Saleh does get a head coaching gig next offseason, the 49ers will be back to square one looking for their fifth defensive coordinator in five seasons, which would take away the stability and familiarity that Saleh is bringing into the building.
You can’t always think about people leaving when it comes to hiring the best candidate. But, as Saleh continues to garner significant head coaching interest, the biggest risk with hiring the esteemed defensive mind is losing him after one season, creating even more instability at the position.