49ers Interview Trio of Familiar Faces for Defensive Coordinator Role

Kyle Shanahan looks within and outside the organization for Robert Saleh's replacement

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The San Francisco 49ers have interviewed three candidates for their vacant defensive coordinator position following Robert Saleh's departure - Raheem Morris, Joe Woods, and Gus Bradley. All three have prior connections to 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, who is looking to find the right fit to lead his defense.

Why it matters

The 49ers' defensive coordinator role is a critical one, as the defense has been a strength of the team in recent years. Shanahan will want to find the right person to maintain and potentially improve the unit, while also considering internal and external options with prior relationships.

The details

Raheem Morris has worked with Shanahan in the past, including stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. Joe Woods was the 49ers' defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator during their Super Bowl run in 2019, before becoming a defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints. Gus Bradley is the current associate head coach of the 49ers and has a history with Shanahan as well.

  • The 49ers interviewed the three candidates on January 29, 2026.

The players

Kyle Shanahan

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, who is leading the search for a new defensive coordinator.

Raheem Morris

A candidate for the 49ers' defensive coordinator position, with prior coaching experience with Shanahan.

Joe Woods

A candidate for the 49ers' defensive coordinator position, who previously served as the team's defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator.

Gus Bradley

The current associate head coach of the 49ers and a candidate for the defensive coordinator role.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The 49ers could interview more candidates, but they already knocked out the Rooney Rule by interviewing two minority candidates and the potential 'favorite,' suggesting Bradley is 'the guy' until proven otherwise.”

— Kyle Posey, Author (ninersnation.com)

What’s next

The 49ers will continue their search for a new defensive coordinator, with a decision expected in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The 49ers are taking a thorough approach to finding Robert Saleh's replacement, considering both internal and external candidates with prior connections to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The team is committed to a diverse hiring process while also potentially identifying the 'obvious' in-house candidate in Gus Bradley.