The San Francisco 49ers began their search for a new defensive coordinator Thursday by interviewing Robert Saleh for a second stint at the job and Detroit Lions assistant Deshea Townsend. Saleh is a 2001 graduate of Northern Michigan University who played football for four years for the Wildcats.

The San Francisco 49ers began their search for a new defensive coordinator by interviewing Robert Saleh for a second stint at the job and Detroit Lions assistant Deshea Townsend.

Saleh is scheduled to interview with the Jaguars and Raiders for their head-coaching vacancies. He met with the 49ers on Thursday for their defensive coordinator position. Saleh held that job for four years before the Jets hired him as head coach in 2021.