The San Francisco 49ers aren’t wasting any time getting their defensive coordinator interviews done. On Thursday the team announced they completed two interviews for that position, including their former defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, and Detroit Lions defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend.

But, could the 49ers also look to get creative with their defensive coordinator hire? Deshea Townsend would fit that bill. Look no further than his current stint, where he’s wor

The San Francisco 49ers might be turning back the clock by interviewing former New York Jets coach Robert Saleh for their open defensive coordinator position. Saleh left the exact role with the 49ers following the 2020 season to become the Jets coach.

The San Francisco 49ers began their search for a new defensive coordinator Thursday by interviewing Robert Saleh for a second stint at the job and Detroit Lions assistant Deshea Townsend. The Niners fired Nick Sorensen earlier this week after just one season in the role and are seeking their fourth defensive coordinator in the past four seasons.

The 49ers announced the completion of interviews with former Jets' head coach Robert Saleh and Lions' passing game coordinator Deshea Townsend

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan gave Saleh his first defensive coordinator opportunity in 2017 during Shanahan’s first season at the helm in San Francisco. Saleh struggled out of the gate, but turned into one of the NFL’s best defensive coordinators and wound up getting a job as the Jets head coach after the 2020 campaign.

The San Francisco 49ers announced that they have completed an interview with Detroit Lions defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend for their defensive coordinator vacancy.

The San Francisco 49ers know they need to improve their defense for next season, and the recent interview with an experienced defensive coach who has two Super Bowl rings as a player is a clear sign they are willing to make improvements.

Deshea Townsend oversaw a Detroit Lions secondary that finished 30th in NFL in pass defense this season but tied for the fifth-most interceptions.

The San Francisco 49ers interviewed former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh for their vacant defensive coordinator opening on Thursday.