Maybe those discussions between Saleh and head coach Kyle Shanahan have already started. At least, that's what beat writer Matt Barrows is hearing.
"I've heard there already have been discussions between Saleh and Shanahan — horse-trading, if you will — about which offensive coaches Saleh might take with him," wrote Barrows in a recent mailbag feature for The Athletic.
The odds are that the options include an offensive coordinator. Run-game coordinator Mike McDaniel and passing-game coordinator Mike LaFleur seem like potential candidates. With a plethora of San Francisco's players scheduled to become free agents, a coaching staff built around Saleh and either McDaniel or LaFleur could make Detroit a tempting destination. However, it is also worth noting that the Lions are projected to have even less salary-cap space than the 49ers.
Barrows' best guess (stressing the word "guess") on which assistant might join Saleh in Detroit? That would be LaFleur, since Saleh has a "long-time relationship" with the LaFleur family. He and Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur remain close friends.
There could also be some defensive assistants willing to jump from the 49ers to the Lions if it means a promotion.
It's just yet another interesting tidbit from Barrows.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers mailbag: What do the 49ers have left in the tank for the last four games? Will SF bring back Robert Saleh? Can Brock Purdy beat good teams?
It's always a big week when the San Francisco 49ers play the Los Angeles Rams. In 2021, the rivalry became even bigger when the 49ers had to win in the season's final week, in Los Angeles, to make it into the playoffs. On Thursday night, the 49ers must win again to keep their... -
Brock Purdy update: Kyle Shanahan says 49ers QB has been 'great all week'
49ers quarterback Brock Purdy struggled during last Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Difficult weather conditions and his recent recovery from a shoulder injury likely contributed to his performance. This week, Purdy has been a full participant in practice and is... -
Why 49ers' Kyle Shanahan joked Jauan Jennings might be smarter than him
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings hasn't been available to the media recently, leaving reporters wondering why. The team's struggles during a challenging season may have contributed to some players' reluctance to face interviews. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel, for... -
49ers Notebook: 'We're going to find out who wants to be here'; Dre Greenlaw's return sparks team; Purdy's costly INT; Rams RB talks a little trash after win
Underneath the frustration of their rather awful 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night, the San Francisco 49ers experienced one of the best moments of their forgettable 2024 season -- the return of linebacker Dre Greenlaw from the torn Achilles that kept him on...