SF 49ers: 4 potential replacements for Robert Saleh in 2021
SF 49ers Candidate No. 1: DeMeco Ryans
If the SF 49ers do end up hiring from within the organization, the coach most likely to get the position and most suited for it is their inside linebackers coach, DeMeco Ryans.
First off, and this will have very little impact on the team’s decision calculus but it’s worth noting, the new NFL rules for hiring minority coaches would give the SF 49ers the chance at two third-round picks, should Ryans be eventually hired as a head coach. In that way, it makes the most sense to hire Ryans if they think he is capable.
More from Niner Noise
- Predicting 49ers NFL Draft picks by looking at final mocks
- DraftKings NFL Draft Promo – Win $150 Guaranteed on Any $5 Bet
- 2023 NFL Draft: EDGE Byron Young could be impact player for 49ers
- 5 low-key NFL Draft options for 49ers who are flying under the radar
- Updated 49ers salary cap space ahead of 2023 NFL Draft
As said, though, that will likely not be a part of the decision calculus. However, Ryans is still a great candidate for the SF 49ers position.
The first reason is continuity. While Ryans will have his own quirks and ideas he’d want to run, by and large, the defensive scheme would stay largely familiar, and for the number of young players on the defensive side of the roster, it allows them a greater chance to develop within the scheme without having to struggle with learning a new playbook.
The second reason is his achievements as a linebacking coach. Ryans has been heavily involved with the development of Fred Warner into arguably the best linebacker in the game, as well as the development of Dre Greenlaw. He also was involved in coaxing out the talent of former linebacker Reuben Foster, though that situation did not end as was hoped for.
Finally, though, the knowledge of Ryans itself is critical. As a former linebacker and a linebackers coach, Ryans is fully aware of the front-end issues with the defensive line and the backend with the secondary. Remember, Robert Saleh was hired as the defensive coordinator of the SF 49ers when he was the linebackers coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Next. SF 49ers: Kyle Shanahan should promote Mike LaFleur to offensive coordinator. dark
Ryans has the knowledge necessary to step in and keep this defense elite.