The San Francisco 49ers have pinpointed a new defensive coordinator.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Monday that Robert Saleh will fill the position under new head coach Kyle Shanahan. Shanahan confirmed Saleh's hiring Friday on KNBR-AM in San Francisco.
Shanahan knows Saleh from their shared time together in Houston, where the latter began as a defensive intern in 2005 before working as a defensive quality control coach (2006 to 2008) and assistant linebackers assistant from 2009 to 2010.
Saleh has his work cut out for him in San Francisco. Beyond an on-the-mend NaVorro Bowman, safety Eric Reid and defensive ends DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead, the Niners offer a paper-thin roster that finished last in the league in yardage and points allowed.
The honeymoon period won't last long if that kind of play continues by the Bay.
