The 49ers Miss Out on a Top Defensive Coordinator Candidate

The San Francisco 49ers came very close to securing a highly coveted defensive coordinator in Jeff Ulbrich, only to see him sign with the Atlanta Falcons. Ulbrich, who was viewed as one of the team’s potential fallback options, was expected to be in the mix for the 49ers’ defensive coordinator position if Robert Saleh, their primary target, decided to leave for a head coaching role.

Ulbrich’s Departure: A Missed Opportunity for the 49ers

Ulbrich’s decision to accept the Falcons’ offer is a setback for the 49ers as they search for a suitable replacement for the defensive coordinator role. Many had assumed that Ulbrich would be a strong candidate for the position should Saleh not return, but with Ulbrich now off the market, the 49ers find themselves in a more precarious position. This adds an extra layer of urgency as the team waits to see if Saleh will accept an offer from the Raiders, Jaguars, or Cowboys, leaving the 49ers in limbo.

What Comes Next for the 49ers?

The 49ers are likely to be in a tight spot if they don’t land Saleh. They could be forced to promote Brandon Staley, a decision that many fear could be disastrous. Staley, who previously struggled as the head coach of the Chargers, failed to produce a consistently strong defense, even during his time with the Chargers’ staff. Given that Staley was part of the coaching staff this past season under Nick Sorensen, whose tenure was marked by disappointing defensive performances, many question his ability to lead the 49ers’ defense effectively.

The Case for Steve Wilks

If the 49ers miss out on Saleh, the next best option may be Steve Wilks. While Wilks is a respected defensive coach with a solid track record, the 49ers have complicated matters by parting ways with him following their most recent Super Bowl loss. His reputation was unfairly tarnished, leaving the team in a difficult position should they try to bring him back. Wilks might be better than other candidates, but his previous exit makes any potential reunion seem unlikely.

The Impact of Aaron Glenn’s Playoff Exit

Meanwhile, in Detroit, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s future remains uncertain. Despite the Lions’ early playoff exit, there are strong whispers that Glenn is still a viable candidate for head coaching opportunities, particularly with the New Orleans Saints. This could further complicate the 49ers’ search for a defensive leader, especially as other teams are showing strong interest in Glenn’s ability to turn around struggling defenses.

Other News Around the League: Quarterback Drama and Playoff Battles

In other football news, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen had a lot to prove in the AFC divisional round, avenging his team’s earlier loss to the Baltimore Ravens with a decisive performance. The Bills’ social media team did not hold back, throwing jabs at the Ravens as part of the post-game banter following their intense playoff matchup.

New Beginnings for Matt Murray and Porsha Williams

Off the field, there’s fresh hope for goaltender Matt Murray, who has been showing signs of a comeback after a tough year-and-a-half journey. After strong performances with the Toronto Marlies, Murray is potentially on his way back to the NHL with the Maple Leafs.

Lastly, Porsha Williams from The Real Housewives of Atlanta is kicking off the year with excitement, teasing something “new” in her life as the new season of RHOA approaches. It’s clear that 2025 is set to bring fresh beginnings for many across sports and entertainment.