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This could be a two-for-one, in the 49ers’ most pressing coaching vacancies. NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco reported on Thursday that the 49ers interviewed Boyer for the special-teams job. Hmm, who do you think might’ve recommended him?
I’ve always thought that defensive-minded coaches usually take more interest — and give more value to — special-teams play than offensive-minded coaches because both defense and special teams are about gaining field position and trying to avoid the big mistake that costs a touchdown.
Saleh already left the 49ers once for a head-coaching gig. Of course, he could do it again, maybe as soon as next January, which would mean three straight one-year DC terms.
But Saleh doesn’t have to jump at anything — he can be extremely choosy if things are going well again with the 49ers. (Psst: Taking the Jacksonville job if Baalke was still there would’ve been the exact opposite of choosy.)
Even if Saleh is a one-year flight risk, though, it doesn’t really matter. With this aging roster and what they all went through last season, the 49ers aren’t thinking too much beyond next year’s Super Bowl, anyway. If Saleh runs a top-5 defense that helps get them there, he’ll be a great HC candidate in 2026. But he’ll already have done what the 49ers wanted, anyway. If they win a Super Bowl and have to go on another DC search, Shanahan and Lynch will find a way to console themselves … while they ride through confetti during the victory parade.
Tim Kawakami can be reached at tkawakami@sfstandard.com