The 49ers are “expected” to offer their open defensive coordinator job to Saleh, according to Josina Anderson, a position he held with the franchise before becoming head coach of the Jets. First, however, Saleh will meet with the Jaguars and Raiders next week about their head coaching vacancies.

The San Francisco 49ers began their search for a new defensive coordinator by interviewing Robert Saleh for a second stint at the job and Detroit Lions assistant Deshea Townsend.

Townsend is a former longtime Steelers cornerback who has managed secondaries across the NFL over the last decade. He has been a defensive backs coach for the Titans (2016-17), Giants (2018, assistant), Bears (2019-21), Jaguars (2022-23) and Lions (2024). The last two stops have included duties as the defensive passing game coordinator.