49ers search for defensive coaching continues as the Falcons deny their inteview with secondaries coach.
The San Francisco 49ers’ efforts to retool their coaching staff have already run into resistance from a familiar NFC rival.
According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the Atlanta Falcons declined San Francisco’s request to interview secondary coach Justin Hood, keeping the fast-rising assistant firmly in place on their defensive staff.
Pelissero reported that the 49ers were exploring Hood for what was described as a “high-ranking staff position,” though the exact role was not disclosed.
The request surfaced in the immediate aftermath of a major change in Santa Clara, where defensive coordinator Robert Saleh departed to become the head coach of the Tennessee Titans.
Saleh’s exit has left the 49ers with a significant void on defense and triggered an extensive search for both internal and external coaching options.
Atlanta’s decision to block the interview highlights the Falcons’ desire for continuity under new head coach Kevin Stefanski.
After stepping in following Raheem Morris’ dismissal, Stefanski opted to retain defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich and prioritize stability on that side of the ball.
As Pelissero noted, the Falcons are intent on keeping key assistants together, and Hood is viewed as an important piece of that puzzle.
Hood has served as Atlanta’s secondary coach since 2024 and has quickly built a strong résumé. Under his guidance, the Falcons’ defensive backs were among the most productive in the league this past season.
Two Atlanta safeties finished inside the NFL’s top 25 in interceptions, while another cornerback ranked just outside that group.
As a team, the Falcons recorded 16 interceptions, sixth-most in the league and a total that more than doubled San Francisco’s 10 takeaways through the air.
From the 49ers’ perspective, the interest in Hood may also hint at broader connections.
San Francisco has been linked to several coaches from the Falcons’ defensive ecosystem, including former Atlanta head coach Raheem Morris, who remains a popular coordinator candidate around the league.
There is also an element of self-preservation at play. With Saleh now building his staff in Tennessee, the 49ers are well aware that one or more of their own secondary coaches could be targeted, creating an additional need for experienced replacements.
As Saleh fills out his Titans coaching group and the 49ers continue their search, more clarity is expected in the coming weeks.
One thing is already clear, however: Justin Hood will not be joining the San Francisco 49ers anytime soon.