49ers news: 4 assistant coaches who may be hired away in 2023

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49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan experienced plenty of turnover among his assistant coaches this offseason, and there may be more in 2023.

Hiring former San Francisco 49ers assistant coaches has become something of a trendy thing in the NFL over the last couple of years.

A little over a year ago, the New York Jets plucked away former Niners defensive coordinator Robert Saleh for their head-coaching vacancy, and Saleh took with him San Francisco’s pass-game coordinator Mike LaFleur to be Gang Green’s offensive coordinator.

This offseason, of course, the Miami Dolphins grabbed former 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel to become head coach there.

In a roundabout way, it’s a good sign for head coach Kyle Shanahan, indicating his staff is becoming attractive to the rest of the league. And while it ultimately creates more pressure on Shanahan to find replacements, starting a sizable coaching tree is ultimately part of establishing a notable legacy.

And if the Niners have yet another successful season in 2022, these four assistant coaches could be on the move next offseason.

No. 4: 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans

San Francisco nearly lost its defensive coordinator two years in a row, as the Minnesota Vikings were almost close to luring in DeMeco Ryans after his outstanding efforts in relief of Saleh last season.

Ryans ultimately turned down the opportunity with Minnesota, electing to finish business with the 49ers, and one could argue his side of the ball will be even better than the unit that finished 2021 with the third-best defense in terms of total yards allowed (5,270). The Niners stockpiled their defensive line in free agency and the NFL Draft by adding EDGEs Kemoko Turay and Drake Jackson, and they also reinforced arguably the biggest defensive weakness last year, cornerback, by inking Charvarius Ward, re-signing Jason Verrett and drafting Samuel Womack.

And when Shanahan’s offense went stagnant in the playoffs, Ryans’ defense allowed an average of just 15.7 points per game in the postseason, helping get San Francisco to the NFC Championship.

Ryans is already viewed as a hot head-coaching candidate this upcoming season, and another strong defensive showing from the 49ers will all but guarantee he’ll be on the move in 2023.