Title: Could the Super Bowl-Winning Coach Join the 49ers as Defensive Coordinator?
The hunt for a new defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, following the dismissal of Nick Sorensen, has been a rollercoaster. With three after-the-fact job changes in four seasons, the team is now on the lookout for their fourth defensive coordinator under head coach Kyle Shanahan, following a disappointing 7-win 2024 campaign.
Many in the NFL whisper that it's either Robert Saleh or nothing for the 49ers. Saleh, who served as their defensive coordinator from 2017-2020, before moving on to become the New York Jets' head coach, found himself on the sidelines five games into the 2024 season.
The problem for the 49ers is that Saleh has been linked to multiple head coach vacancies, including the Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Facing this dilemma, what would the 49ers' backup plans be if Saleh lands a head coach position? Do they even have a plan B?
On the radar is an intriguing name: former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll. Alongside Saleh's scheduled second interview with the Jaguars on Friday, satellite murmurs emerge from the 49ers HQ that Carroll's name is receiving consideration.
Are the 49ers swaying towards retirement or another shot at defensive coordination? Carroll, 73, has shown eagerness to return to coaching since being let go by the Seahawks after the 2023 season. His tenure with the 49ers, as their defensive coordinator from 1995-1996, followed by the New England Patriots' head coach role, could be a significant advantage.
If Carroll isn't given the chance to return as a head coach, the 49ers' defensive coordinator position would be an attractive offer. The team could benefit from his extensive experience and success after a rocky campaign.
Carroll coached the Seahawks for 14 years, enjoying 10 playoff appearances, including back-to-back Super Bowl appearances, culminating in victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. He consistently fielded top-10 defenses and is commonly associated with the Seahawks' "Legion of Boom" defense.
Carroll has a somewhat turbulent relationship with the 49ers' top division rival, the Seahawks, but mutual respect reportedly exists between him and Shanahan. While Carroll is an intriguing option, other candidates are also under consideration.
Brandon Staley, who left the Los Angeles Chargers as head coach during the 2024 season, could be an option. Staley has already interviewed for the 49ers' defensive coordinator opening. The team appears to value an experienced defensive mind, pushing toward a defensive coordinator who can handle the defense effectively to free up Shanahan to focus on the offense.
As the 49ers wait for Saleh's decision, their primary concern is to secure an experienced defensive mind. If Shanahan is comfortable with someone with a storied reputation, as he was with Bill Belichick, Carroll could be the next man up. Meanwhile, the 49ers' backup plans remain to be seen.
[1] - The Outlook On Potential 49ers Backup Plans[2] - Robert Saleh Stands Out As Primary Option[3] - Pete Carroll's Strengths and Weaknesses[4] - Interviewing Procedures and Possible Head Coach Options[5] - Player-Coach Relationship Dynamics - Brandon Staley and Nick Bosa/Fred Warner
Enrichment Data: The 49ers are considering several backup plans if Robert Saleh lands a head coaching position. These plans include Brandon Staley, Deshea Townsend, and Gus Bradley. Staley, whom the team is familiar with from his tenure with the team, is the most likely backup option due to his familiarity with the defense. Meanwhile, Deshea Townsend, despite his unproven track record, and Gus Bradley, known for his Cover 3 defense scheme, are also being considered.
[1] If Robert Saleh decides to take a head coach position elsewhere, the 49ers will turn their attention to their backup plans, with Brandon Staley being a strong contender due to his previous experience with the team.
[2] The 49ers are also considering Deshea Townsend and Gus Bradley as potential backup defensive coordinators, but Staley's familiarity with the team and defense makes him an appealing choice.
[3] Gus Bradley, known for his successful implementation of the Cover 3 defense scheme, could also be an option for the 49ers, offering a unique perspective to the team's defense.
[4] Deshea Townsend, although an unproven option, has shown promise in his coaching career and may be considered as a backup defensive coordinator by the 49ers.
[5] Kyle Shanahan is reportedly looking for an experienced defensive mind to take over the role, which could make Gus Bradley an attractive option if he is available, given his successful past in the NFL.
