49ers rumors: 3 DeMeco Ryans replacements already on the radar

Now-former 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans has been hired as the Texans head coach, but San Francisco already has replacements in mind.

The San Francisco 49ers are in need of a defensive coordinator. On Tuesday, DeMeco Ryans, who had filled that role for the past two seasons on Kyle Shanahan’s staff, was hired to be the next head coach of the Houston Texans. But on the heels of being eliminated by Philadelphia in the NFC Championship Game, the Niners now need to hire a replacement.

Given that it’s been likely that Ryans would leave for either the Texans or Broncos head coaching position for well over a week at this point, it’s not surprising that the 49ers have already started to reach out to possible candidates who could become the next defensive coordinator in San Francisco.

So let’s look at three candidates that the 49ers have already reportedly reached out to about interviewing and how they could fit with this team.

49ers rumors: 3 DeMeco Ryans replacements already on the radar

Vic Fangio could spurn the Dolphins and return to the 49ers

49ers fans are more than familiar with Vic Fangio. He was the defensive coordinator in San Francisco from 2011-14 as part of the coaching staff under Jim Harbaugh. Most recently, he was a defensive consultant for the Eagles team that just eliminated the Niners from the playoffs after he was fired as the Broncos head coach after the 2021 season.

There were reports indicating that Fangio was all but certain to fill the DC job for the Miami Dolphins this offseason. However, as Ryans to the Texans began to become almost a formality, the pen was never put to paper and it seemed as if he was possibly holding out to fill the void for the 49ers.

Given that Fangio, historically one of the most respected defensive coaches in the league, is now expected to talk with San Francisco, per CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson, a reunion could very well be in store.