NFL insider drops hints about 49ers’ coordinator searches

The San Francisco 49ers are deep into their search for a new special teams coordinator, having interviewed several candidates. Among them are Detroit Lions assistant special teams coordinator Jett Modkins, Denver Broncos assistant special teams coordinator Chris Banjo, and former Carolina Panthers interim head coach and special teams coordinator Chris Tabor. Former 49ers defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen is also reportedly under consideration.

Last week, Matt Barrows of The Athletic suggested that Sorensen might be the front-runner for the position. Head coach Kyle Shanahan had previously expressed interest in retaining Sorensen in some capacity, even after relieving him of his defensive coordinator duties.

"They want to bring him back," Barrows said.

However, this potential move has not been well-received by the Niner Faithful, many of whom would prefer Sorensen not remain in a prominent role. Sorensen does bring special teams experience, having served as the Jacksonville Jaguars' special teams coordinator for one season in 2021 and as the Seattle Seahawks' assistant special teams coach from 2013 to 2015.

Maybe Sorensen isn't the front-runner

While Barrows leans toward Sorensen as the favorite, his colleague at The Athletic, NFL insider Michael Silver, disagrees.

"I do not expect the 49ers to hire Sorensen as their special teams coach," Silver wrote on social media.

Silver did not elaborate on why he believes Sorensen won't get the job. However, given his extensive network of NFL connections, including some in Santa Clara, his comments must hold weight.

What about the defensive coordinator job?

Silver didn't just weigh in on the special teams vacancy. He also addressed the 49ers' search for a new defensive coordinator. According to Barrows, the 49ers' approach could be described as "Saleh or bust."

Former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who recently served as the New York Jets' head coach, appears to be the top target. However, Saleh is a sought-after candidate for multiple head coaching vacancies. He even has a second interview with the Jacksonville Jaguars scheduled for Friday. Shanahan and the 49ers can only wait and hope Saleh isn't hired elsewhere.

If Saleh remains available after this round of coaching hires, reports suggest the 49ers are prepared to make him the NFL's highest-paid defensive coordinator.

However, if Saleh accepts a head coaching position, the 49ers may have limited options. So far, the only other candidate they have interviewed is Detroit Lions defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend. Shanahan has also indicated that current 49ers assistant head coach Brandon Staley will have a chance to compete for the job.

When asked who the 49ers' second choice might be after Saleh, Silver responded, "Probably Staley."

Silver added that if Staley were to take over as defensive coordinator, it wouldn't necessarily lead to the disappointing outcome most fans expect.

"Nah. Staley is really good," Silver wrote.

It's worth noting that Sorensen previously beat out Staley for the defensive coordinator job last year. If the 49ers promote Staley, it would mean they are giving the role to the runner-up from the previous search—a decision that could raise eyebrows among fans.