The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for sweeping changes within their coaching staff as they look ahead to the 2026 NFL season.

While roster construction and player health often dominate offseason discussions, coaching continuity has emerged as the central storyline in San Francisco this winter.

That reality is tied directly to the future of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, one of the most respected defensive minds in the league.

Despite significant injuries across the defensive unit during the 2025 campaign, Saleh once again maximized the performance of the 49ers’ defense.

Under his guidance, San Francisco remained disciplined, aggressive, and structurally sound throughout the season.

That consistency helped propel the 49ers to the divisional round of the NFC playoffs, where their season ultimately ended with a loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Even in defeat, the defense’s performance reinforced Saleh’s reputation as an elite coordinator.

It also made his departure feel inevitable.

On January 19, Adam Schefter reported that the Tennessee Titans were close to finalizing a deal to hire Saleh as their next head coach.

According to Schefter, the report was based on multiple league sources.

Saleh reportedly spent January 19 in Tennessee meeting with Titans ownership and front-office leadership.

Both sides came away impressed enough to advance toward a potential agreement.

The momentum behind the hire suggested an announcement could come quickly.

For the Titans, this move would represent a decisive pivot toward defensive identity and leadership.

For the 49ers, it would mean losing a foundational piece of their coaching infrastructure.

Not everyone, however, believes the pairing is a wise one.

Former NFL linebacker and current analyst Emmanuel Acho was outspoken in his criticism of the potential hire.

Speaking on the January 19 episode of “Speakeasy,” Acho made it clear that he does not like the fit between Saleh and Tennessee.

His reasoning centers on quarterback development.

Acho expressed concern about pairing a defensive-minded head coach with a young, unproven quarterback.

Specifically, that quarterback is Cam Ward.

“Unless he goes out there and gets Mike McDaniel or Kliff Kingsbury, I don’t love it,” Acho said.

“I do not love defensive-minded head coaches with unproven quarterbacks.”

According to Acho, the issue is structural rather than personal.

“Defensive-minded head coaches don’t know how to figure out quarterbacks,” he continued.

Acho then pointed to Saleh’s previous head coaching tenure as evidence.

“Robert Saleh didn’t know what the hell to do with Zach Wilson,” Acho said.

“I don’t know if anybody knows what to do with Zach Wilson, but he didn’t.”

Acho did not stop there.

He also referenced Saleh’s brief and turbulent experience working with Aaron Rodgers in New York.

“Robert Saleh didn’t know what the hell to do with Aaron Rodgers,” Acho added.

That criticism struck a nerve.

Saleh served as head coach of the New York Jets from 2021 through 2024.

During that span, the Jets cycled through offensive coordinators and quarterbacks.

The offense never stabilized.

While Saleh earned praise for building a strong defense, the Jets’ inability to develop or support their quarterbacks became a defining failure.

For Acho, that history cannot be ignored.

He believes Saleh would be better suited joining a team with an established offensive identity and a proven quarterback.

“Robert Saleh didn’t know what to do offensively in New York,” Acho said.

“Now you got Cam Ward.”

“Cam Ward is figuring it out.”

“Robert Saleh, you’re figuring it out.”

“I don’t like Robert Saleh with a quarterback that doesn’t know what he’s doing.”

Acho then offered a stark contrast.

“I love Robert Saleh with the Ravens, Lamar Jackson,” he said.

“I don’t love Robert Saleh with the Tennessee Titans.”

The implication was clear.

Saleh thrives when he can focus on defense without shouldering the burden of quarterback development.

If the Titans finalize the hire, this would mark Saleh’s second opportunity as an NFL head coach.

It would also place him in direct responsibility over the future of Cam Ward.

Ward, selected by Tennessee to lead the franchise forward, is still very much a work in progress.

In his rookie season, Ward appeared in all 17 games for the Titans.

According to StatMuse, he finished with a passer rating of 80.2.

He threw for 3,169 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

Those numbers reflect promise.

They also reflect inconsistency.

Ward showed flashes of arm talent and composure.

But he struggled with timing, accuracy under pressure, and late-game execution.

If Saleh becomes head coach, assembling the right offensive staff becomes non-negotiable.

Saleh’s top priority would need to be hiring an offensive coordinator capable of nurturing Ward’s development.

That means creating scheme continuity.

That means designing an offense that plays to Ward’s strengths.

It also means avoiding the coordinator carousel that doomed his tenure with the Jets.

While Saleh focuses on the defense, the offense must operate with autonomy and clarity.

If that balance is achieved, the Titans could benefit from Saleh’s leadership.

If it is not, Acho’s concerns may prove prophetic.

Meanwhile, the ripple effects extend back to San Francisco.

For the 49ers, Saleh’s departure would create a significant void.

Acho believes the consequences could be severe if San Francisco fails to replace him properly.

“San Francisco 49ers, you are, and we are in gigantic trouble,” Acho said.

His warning was blunt.

“You saw what happened to the defense when Robert Saleh went to the Jets.”

Acho referenced Saleh’s previous exit from San Francisco in 2021.

“Kyle Shanahan was absolutely lost, dumbfounded,” he said.

“The defense went from the top five in football to the bottom 15 in football.”

That historical context looms large.

Saleh’s defensive system has consistently elevated player performance.

Under his guidance, mid-round draft picks and unheralded players have thrived.

Acho emphasized that personnel alone cannot save the 49ers.

“San Francisco 49ers, it does not matter if Nick Bosa and Fred Warner are out there,” he said.

“If the defensive coach hired is not the right one, the season is over before it ever begins.”

Acho did not mince words when describing Saleh’s standing in the league.

“Robert Saleh is a top-three defensive mind in football right now,” he said.

That reputation was reinforced during the 2025 playoffs.

The 49ers entered hostile environments and competed at an elite level defensively.

They did so despite injuries and roster limitations.

“They went to Philadelphia with a whole bunch of players that you do not even know the names of,” Acho added.

“And still played dominant defense.”

For San Francisco, the challenge is clear.

Replacing Saleh is not simply about finding another coordinator.

It is about preserving an identity.

It is about maintaining schematic continuity.

It is about keeping a championship window open.

As the offseason unfolds, both franchises stand at pivotal crossroads.

For the Titans, hiring Saleh would represent a bold leadership decision with high stakes.

For the 49ers, losing him would test their organizational depth and adaptability.

One move could reshape two futures.

And as Emmanuel Acho made clear, the margin for error is slim on both sides.