Certainly Not a Surprise-49ers’ plans for defensive coordinator at risk of being ruined by their former GM, and their own inexplicable approach

Nearly a decade after Baalke’s tenure as GM ended, the 49ers are still dealing with the consequences of his past mistakes. Baalke’s conflicts with coach Jim Harbaugh led to the downfall of a highly successful era for the team, and his hiring of short-term coaches like Jim Tomsula and Chip Kelly didn’t help matters. Baalke was recently fired as GM of the Jacksonville Jaguars, just as Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator Liam Coen withdrew from consideration for Jacksonville’s head coaching position. Coen’s decision, following reports that Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson was also turned off by the situation in Jacksonville, is seen as a direct reflection of Baalke’s poor leadership. With Baalke now out of the picture, Jacksonville can proceed with their search for a head coach without his shadow hanging over them.

The move could potentially benefit the 49ers, as former defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is now a strong candidate for the Jaguars’ head coach role. Saleh, who was with the 49ers from 2017 to 2020, had already been considered a frontrunner for the job, and his second interview with Jacksonville is set for Friday. Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham will also be interviewing for the role. If the Jaguars hire Saleh, it would derail the 49ers’ plans to bring him back as their defensive coordinator.

The 49ers’ search for a new defensive coordinator has been narrowly focused on Saleh, with little indication of a backup plan beyond considering Brandon Staley, who served as assistant head coach/defensive coordinator for the team in 2024. While Staley would have been an appealing choice a few years ago after coaching the top-ranked defense with the Los Angeles Rams, there are concerns about his fit with the team. Some believe Staley wouldn’t be fully supported by the 49ers’ locker room, according to Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard.

One of the biggest problems with the 49ers’ defense in 2024 was its lack of flexibility, and the team would have benefitted from casting a wider net in their search for a new coordinator. By narrowing their focus, they risk ending up with a hire that doesn’t satisfy the players or address the team’s needs. Had Baalke been removed earlier in the offseason, the 49ers might have had more time to explore other options. As it stands, if they don’t quickly expand their search, they could find themselves in an awkward position if Saleh chooses Jacksonville over San Francisco.