DC Saleh credits Shanahan as standard-setting coach
Asking Robert Saleh what the 49ers defense must do in 2021 seemed a bit sneaky.
After all, Saleh likely won’t be the 49ers’ defensive coordinator next season, not if he lands a NFL head coaching vacancy as expected in the coming weeks.
But Thursday he offered — for perhaps a final time — to meet the 49ers media and dole out his customary optimism, which the 49ers (6- 9) could use a dose of before Sunday’s season finale against the Seattle Seahawks ( 11- 4) at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
So how will the 2021 defense evolve, with or without Saleh, and presumably with a restocked roster thank includes Nick Bosa’s return from a knee injury?
“You go back and study and see what teams were attacking and what holes you can close,” Saleh began. “Adding to the system without overloading the players, so they can continue to play as fast and as instinctively as possible with no grey areas.
“We’ll try to evolve, play extremely fast and make (the opposing) coordinator work extremely hard to call the perfect play, and the players on the other side having to perform at their highest level.”
Count not only 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan but also Seahawks counterpart
Pete Carroll among those vouching for Saleh’s headcoaching candidacy.
“I think the world of what he’s done,” Carroll said on a conference call with 49ers reporters. “Robert’s going to be a head coach and deserves to be. He’s made that jump into a leadership position and shown excellence.”
Saleh served on Carroll’s 2011-13 staffs as a defensive quality control coach. Saleh moved on to coach the Jacksonville Jaguars for three seasons before assuming his 49ers’ role in 2017. “He’s got a great brain, character
and stature. He’s got it all,” Carroll added. “From all I’m hearing, he’s got a great chance to be a head coach and I wish him the very best on that.”
Saleh will look to mimic what he’s seen the past four years in the harmonious relationship between Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, both of whom received contract extensions prior to this year.
“If you look at how teams run themselves, Kyle (Shanahan) and John (Lynch) are the standard. They’re phenomenal,” said Saleh, further praising Shanahan’s leadership and communication skills.
The 49ers defense remains ranked among the league’s elite, despite injuries
robbing them this season of stars including Bosa, Dee Ford and, for most of the season, cornerback Richard Sherman. The 49ers are No. 5 in yards allowed.
How has Saleh’s defense improved since arriving in 2017 and inheriting a unit that ranked among the worst from 2014-16? Saleh credited the 49ers’ roster overhaul and learning curve.
“They understand the scheme and what we ask of them after four years,” Saleh said. “It’s a wink and a nod, if you will. We can make eye contact and they understand what we’re saying. Their ability to grasp the system allows them to play extremely fast.”