49ers Begin Looking Ahead: Top Three Options to Replace Robert Saleh

What began as a calculated gamble for the 49ers has once again turned into a coaching transition.

When Kyle Shanahan circled Robert Saleh as a potential addition to his staff last year, the situation was far from straightforward.

Saleh’s name continued to surface in league-wide head-coaching discussions, delaying any immediate reunion with San Francisco. 

Once the dust settled, Saleh returned to the organization with a clear mission rather than a long runway.

A defense stocked with young contributors needed direction, and Saleh was brought in to provide structure, clarity, and urgency.

That resurgence did not go unnoticed around the league. As soon as San Francisco’s season came to a close, Saleh reentered the coaching spotlight.

His meeting with the Tennessee Titans in Nashville quickly shifted from exploratory to decisive, with the organization identifying him as the leader it wanted to move forward with.

Now, with Saleh set to take over in Tennessee, Shanahan faces a familiar challenge: reshaping his defensive staff after another short but productive partnership.

It’s a cycle that has become routine in San Francisco, reflecting both the team’s adaptability and its role in elevating coaching talent across the NFL.

Here are three potential replacements for Robert Saleh.

Shanahan targeted Bradley as his defensive coordinator during his first year in San Francisco in 2017, and their professional paths finally aligned when Bradley joined the staff last season. With decades of experience, Bradley offers a proven, stabilizing presence.

For a team with championship aspirations, Bradley represents a low-risk option: someone who knows the job and the building and wouldn’t require an adjustment period. His familiarity with Shanahan’s leadership style and the current roster could allow for a seamless transition if promoted.

While his coaching trajectory appears promising, San Francisco would need to decide whether K.J. Wright is ready to make the jump to defensive coordinator or if an additional season would benefit him.  A former linebacker who spent 11 seasons in the NFL, Wright brings an intimate understanding of defensive structure, communication, and accountability.

Linebackers often transition well into coordinator roles because of their responsibility across all levels of the defense. Wright’s background aligns perfectly with that reality, as he understands run fits up front and coverage responsibilities behind him. His ability to communicate and relate to players could be especially valuable for a defense that continues to rely on young contributors.

If the 49ers want a defensive leader who already understands Kyle Shanahan’s football DNA, Raheem Morris would be an easy fit. Morris’ relationship with Shanahan spans decades, beginning on Mike Shanahan’s staff in Washington before continuing through their time together in Atlanta.

Shanahan has been openly complimentary of Morris in the past, praising his adaptability and leadership. Morris is also expected to draw interest elsewhere, including potential coordinator openings around the league, which underscores how highly he’s regarded. For San Francisco, he would offer both schematic familiarity and credibility in the locker room from day one.