The San Francisco 49ers might be turning back the clock by interviewing former New York Jets coach Robert Saleh for their open defensive coordinator position. Saleh left the exact role with the 49ers following the 2020 season to become the Jets coach.

The 49ers are “expected” to offer their open defensive coordinator job to Saleh, according to Josina Anderson, a position he held with the franchise before becoming head coach of the Jets. First, however, Saleh will meet with the Jaguars and Raiders next week about their head coaching vacancies.

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.