49ers already have Robert Saleh’s replacement in mind

Robert Saleh will be gone, but the San Francisco 49ers have DeMeco Ryans ready to fill the void this offseason. 

It was only a matter of time before Robert Saleh became an NFL head coach. The San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator was perhaps the most sought-after candidate following another top 10 finish with his defense.

Now, he’ll be leaving with a new nickname … Mr.Green.

Saleh and the New York Jets agreed to a five-year deal on Thursday night to make him the head coach in 2021. Saleh, 41, seemed to be the top candidate following a pair of interviews with gang green over the week.

Attention now turns back to the 49ers, who will need to find a new defensive coordinator for next season. Normally, teams will have a hiring process to pick the best candidate. However, the best candidate for the 49ers already appears to be on staff.

Reports indicate that the 49ers are expected to promote inside linebackers coach DeMeco Ryans to defensive coordinator. The former Houston Texans linebacker is well respected by Kyle Shanahan and has evolved into one of the top young coaches on the market.

Ryans will fill a perfect role for Saleh’s departure 

Ryans, 36, has been a rising name in the NFL world following his 10-year career as a middle linebacker. Most known for his Pro Bowl seasons alongside Brian Cushing, he joined the 49ers in 2017 as a quality control coach. A year later, he was promoted to the team’s linebackers coach.

“It’s only a matter of time before DeMeco is a coordinator in this league,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said of Ryans. “It’s a matter of time before DeMeco will be a head coach.”

For those who might be skeptical of Ryans’ promotion, keep in mind the success at the linebacker position. Former third-round pick Fred Warner was named a first-team All-Pro in 2020 and has been named to a pair of Pro Bowls. Fellow linebacker Dre Greenlaw is considered one of the more undervalued players at his position.

The 49ers are also expected to lose passing game coordinator Mike LaFleur at the Jets’ new offensive coordinator. With that, the team expects to promote run game coordinator Mike McDaniel to the full-time role of OC.

Last season, the 49ers ranked 2nd in rushing, averaging 144 yards per game and scoring 23 touchdowns on the ground.

Although the loss of Saleh and LaFleur will sting, the 49ers will remain in good hands under the perfect internal candidates.