49ers Defensive Coordinator Search Takes a Potential Turn with Jim Schwartz in the Mix
The 49ers’ search for their next defensive coordinator may have just taken an unexpected twist. Jim Schwartz, the highly respected defensive mind currently under contract with the Cleveland Browns, is reportedly unhappy with his situation in Cleveland. According to NFL Network, Schwartz was “visibly upset” and has told other coaches he doesn’t plan to return for the 2026 season.
While Schwartz is still under contract, the report notes that the 49ers would be among the teams with serious interest if he were to become available. And that interest wouldn’t come out of nowhere.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has had his share of struggles against Schwartz-led defenses. In 10 games where Shanahan either called plays as a head coach or offensive coordinator against a Schwartz defense, his teams have gone just 2-8.
The numbers tell a clear story: Shanahan’s offenses have averaged just 16.8 points, 18.3 first downs, and 312.6 total yards in those matchups. That kind of consistent disruption leaves an impression - and it might just be enough for Shanahan to reconsider his current direction following Robert Saleh’s departure to take the Titans' head coaching job.
If Schwartz can get out of his contract, the 49ers could have a chance to bring in a proven defensive leader with a track record of frustrating even the league’s most creative offensive minds - including their own.
Fred Warner Pushes Back on Substation Conspiracy, Talks Injuries and Practice Culture
Fred Warner isn’t buying into the conspiracy theories floating around about an electrical substation near the 49ers’ training facility being linked to player injuries. The All-Pro linebacker didn’t mince words when asked about it.
“There’s a lot of mixed reviews about that,” Warner said. “But when you look at the actual data behind if that’s real or not, I think it’s false.
I’ll be the first to tell you - I train year-round at our facility. I’m not going to sit here and say that a substation was the reason why I got my ankle broken in half.
That was a fluke injury.”
Warner, who has been one of the league’s most durable defenders since entering the NFL, pointed out that prior to that ankle injury, he had only missed one game - and that was due to a hamstring tweak from an awkward step. For over seven seasons, he’s been remarkably healthy.
But he didn’t shy away from acknowledging the team’s injury history.
“We have had a bunch of injuries since I’ve been here,” Warner said. “A lot of it is because we have an older roster.
We train harder than a lot of people in the NFL when it comes to how we practice and do all these other little things. It’s just a combination of all that.
And it’s football at the end of the day. It’s a 100% injury guarantee rate.”
That’s a blunt but honest assessment from a player who’s seen the grind up close. Warner also had a bit of fun with Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who asked about the 49ers’ practice habits - specifically, whether they fully tackle in practice like Dan Campbell’s Lions.
“No, we would never do that,” Warner said. “At some point, old Dan’s going to come to his senses and be like, ‘Listen, this ain’t making nobody better, brother.’ We can still get our work in without bringing guys to the ground.”
It was a moment of levity, but also a window into the 49ers’ approach: smart, intense, but calculated when it comes to player safety.
49ers Projected to Target Developmental Tackle in 2026 Mock Draft
Looking ahead to April, the 49ers could be eyeing a long-term solution at one of the most critical spots on the field. In a recent 2026 NFL mock draft, analyst Bucky Brooks has San Francisco selecting Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling with the No. 27 overall pick.
Freeling, a towering 6-foot-7, 315-pound lineman, is being viewed as a potential successor to Trent Williams - and that’s no small shoes to fill. Williams, now 37, is nearing the end of what’s been a Hall of Fame-caliber career. Finding his replacement isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Freeling isn’t a finished product, but his raw tools are intriguing. In 2025, he posted an impressive 85.7 pass-blocking grade.
His run-blocking still needs work - graded at 61.6 - but that’s not unusual for young tackles coming out of college. Over 469 pass-blocking snaps, he allowed just nine pressures and three sacks, showing he can hold his own in pass protection.
Drafting Freeling would give the 49ers a chance to develop him behind one of the best to ever do it. That kind of mentorship could be invaluable - and it aligns with how the 49ers have built their roster: planning for the future while staying competitive in the now.
Fred Warner on Brock Purdy: “He’s Elite - and He’s Taking Us to a Bowl”
If you’re wondering how the 49ers’ locker room feels about Brock Purdy, just ask Fred Warner. The veteran linebacker didn’t hesitate when asked about his quarterback.
“He does everything elite, in my opinion,” Warner said. “Especially when he came back from his injury this year and got his mobility back - you really saw him come to life. I think he played the best ball out of any quarterback in this league down the stretch.”
That’s high praise from one of the league’s top defenders. But Warner didn’t stop there. He broke down what makes Purdy different - and why he believes Purdy is the guy to lead the 49ers to a Super Bowl.
“His ability to process and play the position - that’s what separates the goods from the greats,” Warner said. “There’s so much going on in the mind of a quarterback.
Pre-snap communication, ID’ing the defense, making sure guys are lined up. Then post-snap, having to dissect what the defense is doing, feel the rush, and deliver the ball perfectly.”
Warner also pointed to Purdy’s ability to extend plays - a trait that’s become essential in today’s NFL.
“Purdy does it with the best of them. I’m happy he’s on my team,” Warner said. “He’s definitely gonna get us a Bowl.”
That’s not just locker room talk - it’s belief from a team leader who’s seen what it takes to win at the highest level. And if Warner’s confidence is any indication, the 49ers believe their time is coming - and that Brock Purdy is the one to take them there.