49ers Interview Robert Saleh for Defensive Coordinator Role as Raiders and Jaguars Pursue Him for Head Coach

San Francisco explores reuniting with former DC Robert Saleh, while he also schedules interviews for head coaching positions with the Raiders and Jaguars.

The San Francisco 49ers have completed interviews with Robert Saleh and Deshea Townsend for their vacant defensive coordinator position after firing Nick Sorensen earlier this week.
Saleh, who served as the 49ers' defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020, is considered the leading candidate to return, though he has upcoming interviews for head coaching roles with the Raiders and Jaguars.
During his tenure with the 49ers, Saleh built a top-tier defense that ranked first in passing defense and second in total defense in 2019, helping the team reach the Super Bowl that season.
The 49ers struggled defensively in 2024, ranking 29th in scoring defense and showing significant declines in takeaways and run defense under Sorensen's leadership.
Deshea Townsend, currently the Lions' passing game coordinator, is also a strong candidate, with Detroit's defense excelling in passer rating allowed and defensive passing efficiency this season.