The 49ers could very well be in the market for a new defensive coordinator this offseason. Robert Saleh was a hot name in the head coaching market last year, and he’s only helped his stock going into a year where a rash of teams will be looking for a new head coach. Saleh on Thursday might’ve given some insight into who his replacement might be.
One assistant, linebackers coach DeMeco Ryans, received a ton of praise from Saleh during his Thursday video conference.
“DeMeco is well-spoken. He’s got a lot of respect from his players. He’s incredibly intelligent. He is a sponge for knowledge,” Saleh Said. “Even though he’s played in this league, he’s been a Pro Bowler, he was Defensive Rookie of the Year. He still learns. I see him taking notes every day. Coach is talking, he’s taking notes. I’m talking, he’s taking notes. DB coach is talking, he’s taking notes. He is an absolute sponge in that regard, which tells you that he’s not just going to take a system and go, he’s going to evolve. So, because of that, I just think he’s got a really good chance to continue to evolve and be a head coach one day.”
Tabbing a linebackers coach as a future head coach means there’s likely a jump in between for Ryans. Defensive coordinator is the logical next step, and the 49ers will be in the market for one if Saleh exits. Ryans would be a great candidate regardless of where he’s coming from, but the fact he’s already in the building, knows the players and knows the defense makes him an even better choice.
Since Shanahan and Saleh talk about the defensive coordinator’s eventual exit, it tracks that they’d talk about assistants. If Ryans is that highly thought of, it also tracks that his name’s come up between Shanahan and Saleh as an eventual DC either in San Francisco or with whichever club Saleh winds up as the head coach for.
There’ll be a lot of experienced defensive coordinators available in the offseason, but if Ryans is going to be a future head coach like Saleh thinks he will be, it might behoove the 49ers to keep him in the building with a promotion.
