When Robert Saleh took the reins as head coach of the Tennessee Titans, he brought along a host of familiar faces. However, one notable name missing from his new lineup was KJ Wright, the San Francisco 49ers' fresh linebackers coach. Saleh recently shed light on why Wright wasn’t part of his new coaching staff.
Saleh, at 47, explained that KJ Wright was deemed “off limits” for his Tennessee team-building efforts. Saleh sees Wright as a rising star in the coaching world, predicting a swift ascent to a defensive coordinator role.
In a conversation with ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, Saleh emphasized, “It was an understanding from the beginning. Off limits.”
He’s confident in Wright’s trajectory, likening his potential to that of DeMeco Ryans, who rapidly climbed the coaching ranks. “KJ’s going to be really good,” Saleh asserted, noting Wright’s mindset and the respect he commands from players.
KJ Wright, soon to turn 37, boasts an impressive NFL pedigree. He spent a decade as a linebacker with the Seattle Seahawks, playing a pivotal role in their 2014 Super Bowl triumph, before wrapping up his playing career with the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2021-22 season. Wright transitioned into coaching as a defensive quality control coach for the 49ers in 2024 and was promoted to linebackers coach after the 2025-26 season.
Saleh’s confidence in Wright’s coaching future speaks volumes about Wright’s capabilities and potential impact in the NFL coaching landscape.