The San Francisco 49ers are heading into the offseason with a big piece of their coaching puzzle missing. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is officially out, having taken the head coaching job with the Tennessee Titans. And while that move wasn’t exactly a shock, it does set off a chain reaction the Niners will need to manage carefully-starting with keeping their coaching staff intact.
Saleh’s departure opens the door for potential staff poaching, and early signs suggest that door might already be swinging open. San Francisco reportedly gave Saleh the green light to bring assistant coach Greg Scruggs to Tennessee, though that situation appears to be in flux. Even so, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Saleh try to bring familiar faces with him-especially those he worked closely with during the 2025 season.
One name to watch is K.J. Wright.
Officially, Wright served as a defensive quality control coach this past season, but his role went far beyond the title. He worked extensively with the linebackers and earned praise from Saleh for his ability to prepare a rotating cast of players to step in and contribute.
That kind of trust and effectiveness doesn’t go unnoticed, and it wouldn’t be a stretch to see Saleh eyeing Wright for a bigger role in Tennessee-possibly as a linebackers coach.
For the 49ers, this is where things get interesting. Wright’s trajectory has shades of a familiar success story: DeMeco Ryans.
Like Ryans, Wright had a long NFL career as a Pro Bowl linebacker before transitioning into coaching with the 49ers. Ryans started as a defensive quality control coach, climbed the ranks quickly, and eventually took over as defensive coordinator before landing the head job with the Houston Texans.
Wright’s coaching journey began in 2024 when he joined the 49ers as an assistant linebackers coach. His title shifted to defensive quality control coach, but his impact on the linebacking corps-especially in a season where injuries and roster turnover were constant-was clear. He’s proven he can connect with players, teach the position at a high level, and operate within the 49ers’ defensive philosophy.
With Saleh gone and Gus Bradley emerging as a likely candidate to take over as defensive coordinator, the Niners have a decision to make. If Bradley steps in and thrives, there’s always the risk he could be plucked away for another head coaching opportunity down the line.
If things don’t go smoothly, the team will need a backup plan. Either way, having someone like Wright in the pipeline makes a lot of sense.
Promoting Wright-whether that’s to assistant defensive coordinator or a more defined role overseeing the defense-could be a smart move. It would not only reward a coach who’s earned the respect of players and peers, but it would also help ensure continuity in one of the league’s top defensive units. And with a player like Fred Warner anchoring the middle of the field, having a former linebacker like Wright in his corner only strengthens the foundation.
The reality is, when a coach like Saleh moves on, some staff turnover is inevitable. But the 49ers have built a strong culture, and part of maintaining that is investing in the right people.
Wright fits that mold. He’s already shown he can develop talent, command a room, and uphold the standard that’s made this defense one of the best in football.
In a league where coaching depth is just as important as player depth, the Niners would be wise to keep a close grip on Wright. Saleh may be building something in Tennessee, but San Francisco has every reason to protect what they’ve built-and that starts with making sure rising stars on the coaching staff don’t slip away.