So far, the San Francisco 49ers have interviewed former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh and Detroit Lions defensive passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend for the team's vacant defensive coordinator position.
While additional interviews with other candidates are expected, many anticipate that head coach Kyle Shanahan's preferred solution would be a reunion with Saleh, who served as the 49ers' defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020, playing a critical role in the team's journey to Super Bowl LIV.
ESPN's Nick Wagoner, a 49ers insider, believes Saleh would be the ideal fit for the role, given his familiarity with the team and the defensive scheme.
"Saleh runs Shanahan's preferred scheme, knows the key defensive leaders still on the roster and has proved adept at altering the defense when injuries or other factors have made it necessary," Wagoner wrote. "He interviewed for the job on Thursday and a reunion is possible, if not likely."
However, other teams are also eyeing Saleh, not for coordinator positions, but for head coaching roles. He has interviews scheduled with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders, which could complicate matters for the 49ers. The team might wait to see how these opportunities play out before moving forward.
If Saleh doesn't receive an offer from the Jaguars or Raiders, it could bode well for a return to the Bay Area. However, if he decides to hold out for a head coaching position, other candidates may slip through the 49ers' grasp.
Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, who replaced Saleh in New York, could also be an intriguing candidate. The 49ers showed significant interest in Ulbrich last year before ultimately hiring Nick Sorensen as defensive coordinator.
Wagoner also names another potential candidate to watch closely.
"While Saleh and Ulbrich are considered top candidates, another name worth keeping a close eye on is former New Orleans Saints coach Dennis Allen," Wagoner wrote. "Allen has extensive experience, working eight years as a defensive coordinator in Denver and New Orleans, almost six seasons as a head coach with the Saints and Raiders and another year as the Saints senior defensive assistant.
"Shanahan has long respected Allen, as most recently evident in the fits Allen's defense gave Shanahan's offense in a Nov. 2022 victory in which the 49ers managed just 13 points on 4.7 yards per play against Allen's Saints."
