Overview

• Ben Solak’s annual evaluation bumped San Francisco from fourth to third, placing the 49ers behind only the Vikings and Chiefs.
• Robert Saleh’s return as defensive coordinator earned praise for restoring schematic discipline and elevating defensive metrics.
• Brant Boyer’s hire as special teams coordinator received recognition for addressing miscues and improving unit cohesion.
• Klay Kubiak’s promotion to offensive coordinator secured continuity in Kyle Shanahan’s game-planning approach.
• Solak’s ranking model weighed locker room leadership, staff structure and strategic game planning rather than solely win-loss records.