Richard Sherman Sends Blunt 49ers Message to Jim Schwartz

The San Francisco 49ers find themselves at a critical crossroads in their search for a new defensive coordinator. With the departure of Robert Saleh to take on the head coach position for the Tennessee Titans, the team now faces the challenge of maintaining the defensive dominance that made them a formidable force in the NFL under his leadership.

While the 49ers defense, which was plagued by injuries throughout the 2025 season, fought valiantly under Saleh, it’s clear that Kyle Shanahan is setting his sights on bringing in a new defensive mastermind. With key defensive players such as Fred Warner and Nick Bosa set to return healthy, the 49ers are eager to make sure their defense can be as elite as it was during Saleh’s tenure, if not better.

The Search for the Next Defensive Coordinator

In an attempt to fill the hole left by Saleh’s exit, the 49ers have already begun their search for a new defensive coordinator. According to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco, several candidates have already been interviewed, including Raheem Morris, Joe Woods, and Gus Bradley, who all bring a wealth of experience at the defensive coordinator position.

The 49ers’ pursuit of a new coordinator is not just about filling a vacancy; it’s about ensuring that the team can continue its rise in the competitive NFC. If the 49ers are to return to their Super Bowl aspirations, it’s imperative they make the right hire. With the talent on the roster, particularly in the form of players like Warner and Bosa, the defense has the potential to be elite again with the right leadership.

Richard Sherman Suggests Jim Schwartz as a Strong Candidate

However, amidst the search for a new defensive coordinator, former 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman has thrown his hat into the ring, offering a surprising suggestion. Sherman believes that Jim Schwartz, the former Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator, would be an excellent fit for the job. Schwartz, who has extensive experience as a defensive coordinator, has recently seen his future with the Browns become uncertain. Sherman, in a January 30th video from The Richard Sherman Podcast, argued that Schwartz’s tenure in Cleveland was likely coming to an end.

Schwartz, who had been in the running for the Browns’ head coaching position, was ultimately overlooked in favor of Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Despite initial hopes that Schwartz could remain with Cleveland in a defensive coordinator role under Monken, recent reports suggest Schwartz has expressed a desire to leave Cleveland. As Sherman pointed out, if Schwartz ends up with another team, he could have a head coaching job within two years, and he specifically pointed to the 49ers as a potential landing spot.

“I think if Schwartz goes to another team, a contender who’s out of a defensive coordinator right now, I think he has a head coach job within the next two years,” Sherman said. “And by contender, I’m thinking of the San Francisco 49ers, and I would imagine Kyle Shanahan is on the phone right now, whatever you need.”

The 49ers’ Pipeline to Head Coaching Jobs

Sherman highlighted the 49ers’ recent success in elevating defensive coordinators to head coach positions as one of the main reasons Schwartz should be interested in the job. Under Shanahan and former defensive coordinators Saleh and DeMeco Ryans, the 49ers have demonstrated a clear track record of grooming coaches for future success.

“After losing Robert Saleh to a head coaching job and showing a pipeline for his defensive coordinators to be elevated to head coaching jobs, you talk about DeMeco Ryans, you talk about Robert Saleh twice. Even my guy Jeff Hafley, who was on the staff in ’18, is now a head coach right now for the Miami Dolphins,” Sherman said.

This success in developing coaching talent is undoubtedly appealing to experienced coordinators like Schwartz, who is likely looking for an opportunity to advance his career, potentially with a team as stable and competitive as the 49ers.

Schwartz’s Uncertain Future in Cleveland

Jim Schwartz’s position with the Cleveland Browns is now in jeopardy, with reports indicating that the 56-year-old defensive coordinator is seeking a departure from the organization. Schwartz, who had been viewed as a serious candidate for the Browns’ head coaching job, was ultimately passed over when the team hired Todd Monken.

Despite the disappointment of losing the head coaching position, there was hope that Schwartz could remain with the Browns as defensive coordinator. Schwartz was under contract through the 2026 season, which initially seemed to suggest a sense of stability for his future in Cleveland. However, sources have confirmed that Schwartz has expressed a desire to move on, potentially seeking a new opportunity elsewhere.

CBS Sports reported on January 30 that Schwartz’s departure is highly likely, with the veteran coach no longer seeing his future in Cleveland. Additionally, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones noted that the Browns were well aware of how Schwartz might feel about not being chosen for the head coaching role.

Schwartz, who had not been a head coach since his time with the Detroit Lions in 2013, had hoped that returning to a head coaching position was on the horizon. He has long been viewed as a defensive genius, and many believe that he deserves another shot at leading an NFL team.

The Case for Raheem Morris as 49ers DC

While Schwartz remains an intriguing option, other candidates have already been interviewed by the 49ers, including Raheem Morris, Joe Woods, and Gus Bradley. Raheem Morris, in particular, has garnered attention for his work with the Los Angeles Rams’ defense during their Super Bowl-winning season.

Grant Cohn, a 49ers reporter for On SI, offered his perspective on the three candidates. He argued that Morris, with his head-coaching experience and success as a defensive coordinator, is the best option for the 49ers. “Raheem Morris is legitimately an excellent defensive coordinator. He was the defensive coordinator for the Rams a few years ago when they won the Super Bowl, and he has head coaching experience,” Cohn said.

Morris is highly regarded within the NFL coaching community for his strategic acumen and leadership ability, which make him a strong candidate for the 49ers’ defensive coordinator job. However, Cohn acknowledged that Morris does not run the wide-nine defense that the 49ers have implemented over the years, which could require the team to make significant adjustments.

In contrast, Gus Bradley, who has been in the league for more than 15 years, has not evolved his defensive strategies significantly in recent years. Cohn expressed concern that hiring Bradley would be a mistake, as it could result in a defense that stagnates, similar to what happened with previous coordinator Steve Wilks.

“If the choice comes down to Gus Bradley and Raheem Morris, it’s a no-brainer,” Cohn said. “It’s got to be Morris.”

What’s Next for the 49ers?

As the 49ers continue their search for a defensive coordinator, the question of which candidate will emerge as the right fit remains up in the air. Schwartz, Morris, Woods, and Bradley all bring different strengths to the table, but it’s clear that the 49ers are looking for someone who can continue the team’s defensive success and help them contend for championships in the years to come.

If Schwartz indeed becomes available, he could be an enticing option for the 49ers, who have shown a willingness to elevate their defensive coordinators to head coaching positions. Whether or not Schwartz will get that opportunity remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: the 49ers are committed to finding a top-tier coach to lead their defense into the future.

As the 49ers weigh their options, the fans and analysts alike will continue to speculate on who will fill this crucial role. One thing is certain—whoever becomes the next defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers will have big shoes to fill.