49ers Defensive Staff Continues Exodus to Tennessee

January 25, 2026 - 19:05

The San Francisco 49ers are facing a continued depletion of their defensive coaching ranks, as the Tennessee Titans have successfully recruited another key staff member. This latest move follows the high-profile departure of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who was hired as the Titans' head coach earlier this offseason.

The identity of the assistant coach making the move has not been formally disclosed, but the pattern underscores a significant challenge for the 49ers. When a coordinator ascends to a head coaching position, it is common for them to bring trusted assistants from their previous stop to install familiar systems and philosophies. This brain drain can disrupt continuity and force remaining staff to rebuild working relationships and on-field schemes.

For the Titans, these hires represent a concerted effort to replicate the defensive success and culture that defined the 49ers in recent seasons. Saleh is clearly prioritizing familiarity and proven collaboration as he constructs his inaugural staff in Tennessee.

The 49ers' front office must now act swiftly to backfill these vacancies, seeking coaches who can either maintain the existing defensive structure or adeptly transition the unit to a new vision. The coming weeks will be critical in determining how this staff turnover impacts the team's defensive performance in the upcoming season.