Talk” co-hosts Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan sit down to discuss San Francisco’s potential defensive coordinator candidates, with Robert Saleh leading the pack49ers Talk: Robert Saleh tops 49ers'

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.

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.

A return to the San Francisco 49ers reportedly could be in the cards for former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh. According to NFL insider

The 49ers could have a Robert Saleh reunion happening very soon, as the organization starts to narrow down the list of replacement DC options.

The 49ers are searching for a new defensive coordinator, and a likely candidate is one that is familiar with the position.

A potential reunion is in the works. The San Francisco 49ers have interviewed former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh to be their defensive coordinator. Sa

Saleh, the former Jets coach, is scheduled to interview with the Jaguars and Raiders for their head coaching vacancies. He met with the 49ers on Thursday for their defensive coordinator position. Saleh held that job for four years before the Jets hired him as head coach in 2021.