Robert Saleh has been mentioned as a possible replacement for defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen, who was fired by the 49ers. In addition, other names like Gus Bradley, Brandon Staley, Ken Norton Jr., and Jeff Ulbrich have also surfaced.
After a difficult 2024 season, the San Francisco 49ers fired Nick Sorensen as defensive coordinator.
After joining the 49ers’ coaching staff in 2022, Sorensen was the team’s defensive coordinator in 2024.
Under his direction, the defense suffered, giving up 436 points this season and finishing 29th in points allowed.
It has been stated that the 49ers would like to keep Sorensen in a different capacity.
However, his future with the team is still in the air because other job opportunities are available.
Ups and downs characterized Sorensen’s tenure with the 49ers; the team demonstrated faith in his skills by promoting him, but defensive issues ultimately led to his departure.
Nick Sorensen will NOT return as #49ers defensive coordinator, per @MaioccoNBCS
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) January 8, 2025
The hope is that the 49ers can retain him on Kyle Shanahan’s staff pic.twitter.com/7R01AbXpft
The team announced this on January 7, 2025, and fans reacted with mixed opinions.
Additionally, people’s main concern right now is who will replace Nick Sorensen as the new DC.
Nick Sorensen’s Replacement as the 49ERS’ New DC Is Most Likely to Be Saleh or Ulbrich
Since splitting from Nick Sorensen, the 49ers have begun searching for a replacement, and several worthy candidates have emerged.
Moreover, Jeff Ulbrich and Robert Saleh are the most likely choices for their next defensive coordinator.
Robert Saleh
Given his tenure with the 49ers from 2017 to 2020, Robert Saleh seems the most obvious choice.
Moreover, his leadership is evident in the fact that he established one of the league’s most formidable defenses.
In addition to his unrivaled energy and ability to connect with players, his defensive schemes were crucial to the 49ers’ 2019 Super Bowl run.
Saleh’s recent tenure as the Jets head coach has also given him a more comprehensive viewpoint on team leadership.
Although Saleh is reportedly interviewing for the position of head coach with the Jaguars, I believe he has an advantage if they can persuade him to return because of his familiarity with the 49ers.
Jeff Ulbrich
Another excellent choice is Jeff Ulbrich, particularly considering his recent success as the defensive coordinator for the Jets.
Given the 49ers’ youthful core, his ability to modify defenses and schemes to suit his players’ strengths would be a tremendous asset.
Even though he does not directly work for the 49ers, his ability to strengthen the Jets’ defense, especially against the run, makes him a desirable candidate.
Robert Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich are top of the wish list for the San Francisco #49ers for their vacant Defensive Coordinator role, per source pic.twitter.com/bLPy3yrh5t
— 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) January 8, 2025
Other Potential Candidates to Be the 49ERS’ New DC
Gus Bradley
Gus Bradley has a wealth of knowledge to draw from because of his head coach and defensive coordinator background.
As the driving force behind Seattle’s renowned “Legion of Boom,” he particularly appeals to teams looking for a powerful, aggressive defensive identity.
Across several teams, Bradley has continuously constructed effective and disciplined defenses.
If the 49ers want to return to their previous reputation as a physical and intimidating team, I believe he could be a fantastic fit.
Ken Norton Jr.
Ken Norton Jr. contributes a combination of defensive experience and 49ers familiarity.
As a former linebacker, he would be a great asset to the 49ers’ already strong linebacking corps because of his ability to coach and develop players.
Despite limited recent success, his leadership and strong ties with the 49ers can provide the team much-needed stability.
Brandon Staley
As assistant head coach, Brandon Staley is already a member of the 49ers coaching staff, so he is a natural internal choice.
Moreover, his successful tenure as defensive coordinator for the Rams and his previous experience as head coach of the Chargers demonstrate his creative defense strategy.
Staley knows the group, which is interesting because it could make the transition easier.
Because of his experience and creative strategies, I think Staley is a fantastic choice, especially if the 49ers want continuity in their coaching staff.
In my opinion—and according to multiple reports—Robert Saleh fits the 49ers best despite each candidate having something valuable to contribute.
