When Saleh left the 49ers for the Jets after the 2020 season, the 49ers knew linebackers coach DeMeco Ryans was going to step into that role and he did so with rousing success. He wound up only working as the 49ers’ DC for two years before landing the head coaching job with the Houston Texans.

The 49ers keep missing out on the top defensive coordinator candidates on the market as they wait for Robert Saleh. Which means the 49ers might need to scramble to find a second option. And that backup option could be Pete Carroll.

Robert Saleh left the Jacksonville Jaguars years ago to become the 49ers defensive coordinator. It appears he's returning to that job in the Bay Area.