It wasn't a surprise to the San Francisco 49ers that Robert Saleh left to become the head coach of the Tennessee Titans.
His aspirations of being a head coach were evident last year before he returned. That's why he took a few interviews for vacancies before agreeing to become the 49ers' defensive coordinator.
When Saleh departed, he was bound to poach a few coaches from the 49ers. The only one he ended up taking with him to Tennessee was predictably Gus Bradley.
However, there was another coach Saleh wanted to bring with him, but the 49ers wouldn't allow him to. This coach is someone whom Saleh believes is a defensive coordinator in the making.
Saleh wanted to poach this coach
K.J. Wrigh
Sep 9, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive quality control coach K.J. Wright watches the action against the New York Jets in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images | David Gonzales-Imagn Images
It was K.J. Wright, who the 49ers just promoted to be the new linebackers coach.
“It was an understanding from the beginning,” Saleh told ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. “Off limits – He’s going to be a coordinator really quick. I could see him easily progressing the way DeMeco did. He’s got the same mindset. He’s got the same respect from his players. KJ’s going to be really good.”
That is some incredible praise for Wright. When Saleh left for the New York Jets in 2020, he echoed a similar sentiment about DeMeco Ryans.
If he is saying that, then it's safe to say that Kyle Shanahan believes that as well. That's why they didn't want to let Wright go with Saleh to the Titans.
Even though the 49ers have Raheem Morris as their defensive coordinator, there's always a chance that Morris leaves in the next year or two to become a head coach again.
If the 49ers' defense becomes a tough one again, he'll easily be in consideration for it. That will place Wright in line to succeed Morris and become the next defensive coordinator, similar to how they did with Ryans.
This pathway would be perfect for Wright as it would give him the extra experience as the linebackers coach for a couple of seasons before making that jump as the defensive playcaller.
It's great to see that the 49ers have a long-term plan for Wright. However, if a team wants Wright to be their defensive coordinator after 2026, they will have no choice but to let him go.
For now, Wright is still their secret, but it won't last for long.
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