The San Francisco 49ers are actively seeking a new defensive coordinator following the firing of Nick Sorensen after just one season. This marks the team's fourth search for a coordinator in as many years, with previous coordinators including DeMeco Ryans, who left for the Houston Texans, and Steve Wilks, dismissed post-Super Bowl. The 49ers' defense underperformed this season, ranking 29th in scoring defense, allowing 25.6 points per game and generating a meager number of turnovers.

In their search, the 49ers have interviewed former coordinator Robert Saleh and current Detroit Lions assistant Deshea Townsend. Saleh, who previously coached the 49ers’ defense, is known for leading a unit that thrived after the introduction of Nick Bosa. Meanwhile, Townsend has had success as the Lions' passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach, noted for his time with the Steelers and his strong performance with the Lions this past season. The 49ers are also bound by the Rooney Rule, which requires them to interview at least two diverse candidates.