The 49ers have heard of three teams interested in interviewing Robert Saleh for his vacancies as head coach.
The Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars and Atlanta Falcons gave 49ers formal notices of their interest in Saleh, said general manager John Lynch on Monday.
“I think Saleh is going to kill these interviews,” said 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan. “I think he will do a great job. But he is just one person who usually makes these decisions in each place, so nothing is guaranteed. So I wish him well in all of this, and we will see what happens.
The 49ers ended their season on Sunday with a 26-23 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, ending the season with a 6-10 record. Despite a series of injuries, the 49ers’ defense under Saleh performed remarkably high.
The 49ers finished fifth in total defense (314.4 yards per game), fourth in passing defense (207.9) and seventh in running defense (106.4).
“We have a great coach in Saleh,” said Shanahan. “And that is why I think he will get what he deserves.”
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The 49ers hope that Saleh will be hired to become the head coach, which would create a huge vacancy in Shanahan’s technical team. 49ers would have many options inside and outside the organization to take their place.
“I also know that we will be fine because of the people we have at home,” said Shanahan. “Because of the system and the players we have, because of the options we have. How the Yorks (team-owned) treat us. There is nothing they tell us that we cannot do. All right.”
Linebackers coach DeMeco Ryans is probably the top internal candidate to become the defensive coordinator. Ryans, 36, was twice a Pro Bowl player during his 10-year playing career with the Houston Texans and the Philadelphia Eagles.
He originally joined 49ers in 2017 as a quality control coach before a promotion a year later to train linebackers.
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“Of course, I would consider DeMeco,” said Shanahan. “It is only a matter of time before DeMeco becomes coordinator in this league, and it is only a matter of time before DeMeco becomes head coach.”
Shanahan would not be fully committed to the transition from the same system if Saleh left.
“It is not absolute that we have to maintain the same scheme,” said Shanahan. “I love our scheme, so I’m not going to try to change it either.”
On Monday, the Los Angeles Chargers announced the resignation of coach Anthony Lynn. Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley was Shanahan’s first choice for his team in 2017.
Former Falcons coach Dan Quinn and Raheem Morris, who took over as acting coach for Falcons, could be candidates for a potential 49ers spot. Kris Richard, a former NFL defensive coordinator who stopped coaching last season, may also attract some attention.