The San Francisco 49ers will now be on the hunt for a new Defensive Coordinator now that Robert Saleh is headed to the Tennessee Titans.
As the San Francisco 49ers pivot into the offseason following a Divisional Round exit from the NFL playoffs, one of the first items added to the checklist will be finding a new defensive coordinator. Highly sought-after DC Robert Saleh is once again on the move, this time leaving San Francisco to become the head coach of the Tennessee Titans, as first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. Saleh previously departed the 49ers to take the head coaching job with the New York Jets before returning to the Niners for a second stint as defensive coordinator, and now he’s set to take over in Tennessee.
It’s a strong landing spot for Saleh. The Titans have their quarterback of the future in Cam Ward, the most recent No. 1 overall pick, and Saleh will play a significant role in his development while helping build out the roster around him. Tennessee also enters the offseason with more than $100 million in cap space, the No. 4 overall pick in the upcoming draft, and plans to open a new stadium in 2027.
Another key factor in Saleh’s decision is that he will continue calling defensive plays as a head coach, something he did not do during his first stint leading the Jets and a reportedly important point for him this time around.
For San Francisco, the departure means replacing one of the league’s best defensive coordinators yet again. The timing isn’t ideal, as head coaching and coordinator openings across the league have been in motion for weeks, leaving the 49ers somewhat behind the curve in the interview process.
Still, finding Saleh’s successor will be one of the most critical moves of the offseason as the organization balances retooling the roster with maintaining its defensive identity. It’s a significant development for both franchises, with ripple effects that will shape their respective paths heading into the 2026 season.