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 San Francisco 49ers are on the search for a defensive coordinator once again after firing Nick Sorensen following just one season in that role.

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.