The San Francisco 49ers are once again watching a familiar face walk out the door - and this one’s headed for a head coaching gig. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is leaving the Bay for the second time this decade, this time to take over as head coach of the Tennessee Titans. His first departure came back in 2021 when he took the same role with the New York Jets.
If this all feels a bit familiar, it’s because it is. Just like last time, Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers appear to have a succession plan in place.
When Saleh left the first time, DeMeco Ryans stepped up and excelled in the role before earning his own head coaching shot with the Houston Texans. Now, the next man up could be Gus Bradley - the team’s assistant head coach, brought in last offseason, perhaps with this very scenario in mind.
But while promoting Bradley might seem like the logical next step, the decision isn’t as cut and dry as it appears.
Gus Bradley: The Natural Fit - But Not a Lock
On paper, Bradley checks a lot of boxes. He’s already in the building, he knows the system, and he has deep ties to the defensive philosophy that’s been a staple in San Francisco.
Remember, Saleh once worked under Bradley during their time with the Seattle Seahawks, where the foundation for this current 49ers defense was laid. That continuity could make for a seamless transition, especially with Bradley having spent the past year getting familiar with the personnel.
That kind of internal promotion has worked for the Niners before - Ryans being the most recent and successful example. And with reports already suggesting that Shanahan is leaning toward staying in-house, Bradley certainly has a strong case.
But here’s where things get complicated.
The Field Is Deeper Than Expected
Bradley may have been the contingency plan when he was hired, but Shanahan didn’t know at the time that two high-profile defensive minds might hit the market: Jim Schwartz and Raheem Morris.
Schwartz, currently with the Cleveland Browns, runs a Wide 9 front that mirrors what the 49ers are already using - a scheme that’s been central to their defensive identity. There’s also a direct connection on staff: defensive line coach Kris Kocurek worked under Schwartz in Detroit. That kind of familiarity and schematic fit makes Schwartz an intriguing option.
Then there’s Raheem Morris, the former Falcons head coach and a respected defensive strategist. Morris brings experience, leadership, and a track record of adapting to his personnel - a trait that could be valuable for a 49ers unit that continues to evolve.
Bradley’s Resume: A Mixed Bag
While Bradley has the pedigree and the system fit, his recent track record hasn’t exactly been spotless. Since his days in Seattle, he’s had stints as a defensive coordinator in multiple places - and not all of them ended on a high note. That’s not to say he can’t succeed in San Francisco, especially with the talent already in place, but it does raise questions about whether he’s the best available option.
In many ways, Bradley represents the safe choice - someone who can keep the ship steady. But with elite defensive minds potentially on the table, the 49ers have to weigh whether “safe” is good enough for a team with championship aspirations.
What’s Next?
Shanahan has navigated this road before, and he’s proven he can make the right call. Promoting from within has worked in the past, but the landscape this offseason might push the 49ers to think bigger. With Saleh off to Tennessee, the search is officially on - and whether the answer is already in the building or waiting outside remains to be seen.
One thing’s for sure: the 49ers aren’t just filling a job. They’re selecting the next architect of a defense that’s been the backbone of their success. And in a league where margins are razor-thin, that decision could be the difference between another deep playoff run and falling just short.