Two Useful 49ers Coaches Could Join Robert Saleh In Tennessee

Keep an eye on these two 49ers coaches joining the Titans with Robert Saleh.

Aug 9, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh watches from the sidelines in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images | David Gonzales-Imagn Images

After one year with the San Francisco 49ers, Robert Saleh is joining the Tennessee Titans to become their next head coach.

It was a reality the 49ers acknowledged from the moment they hired him as their defensive coordinator. Now that Saleh is gone, it's likely that a coach or two leaves the 49ers to join him in Tennessee.

Brant Boyer

August 23, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers special teams coordinator Brant Boyer before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

The 49ers' special teams were finally competent this season, and it's thanks to coordinator Brant Boyer. No other coordinator has managed to make the special teams unit a positive factor.

But Boyer did. He's a coach the 49ers cannot afford to depart this offseason. Unfortunately, he is likely going to join Saleh in Tennessee.

Saleh is the reason Boyer joined the 49ers in the first place. Both of them spent time with the New York Jets together when Saleh was the head coach.

It makes sense for Boyer to tag along with Saleh in Tennessee since he only got his shot in San Francisco because of Saleh. Even if the 49ers increase Boyer's pay, I doubt he sticks.

Loyalty between coaches is everything. Boyer has a lot of respect for Saleh and vice versa. Unless Boyer is truly in love with the 49ers, he will go to the Titans with Saleh.

That means the 49ers will need to look for a defensive coordinator and a special teams coordinator. Both coaches improved their respective units, so the 49ers will have trouble finding even replacements.

Gus Bradley

Aug 18, 2021; Thousand Oaks, CA, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Gus Bradley looks on during a joint practice against the Los Angeles Rams. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Another coach that joined the 49ers thanks to Saleh is Gus Bradley. He was hired as a defensive assistant at Saleh's behest. Saleh once worked under Bradley with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks.

This was Saleh's way of repaying Bradley, and because he knows that having Bradley is beneficial for him. It's especially key to have Bradley now that he's a head coach.

Similar to Boyer, Bradley has endless respect for Saleh and understands the favor he's done for him. Their relationship goes further than Boyer's so he's the most likely coach to join the Titans.

Saleh could name Bradley his defensive coordinator, even though Saleh will be calling the plays. The 49ers could consider Bradley to be Saleh's replacement. Kyle Shanahan spoke highly of Bradley all year.

He could very well be the favorite to be the 49ers' defensive coordinator. Even the players have enjoyed being coached by him, and the 49ers love to hire within.

If they do, Bradley will have to choose between the desire to call plays or if he's fine without it. I'd lean towards him being fine without it and joining a good friend in Tennessee.

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