Kyle Shanahan’s coaching tree has continued to expand since the beginning of his career with the 49ers in 2017. For instance, notable names such as Robert Saleh, DeMeco Ryans and Mike McDaniel have gone on to become NFL head coaches after serving on Shanahan’s coaching staff in San Francisco.

After spending one season returning to the 49ers as defensive coordinator, Saleh accepted a new head coaching position with the Tennessee Titans this offseason.

As Saleh and Tennessee were building their coaching staff, the team hired Gus Bradley as its new defensive coordinator after he spent the 2025 NFL season as San Francisco’s assistant head coach of defense.

Unfortunately for the Titans, they were unable to poach newly promoted 49ers linebackers coach K.J. Wright.

“It was an understanding from the beginning,” Saleh told ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. “Off limits.”

“He’s going to be a coordinator really quick,” Saleh added. “I could see him easily progressing the way DeMeco did. He’s got the same mindset. He’s got the same respect from his players. KJ’s going to be really good.”

Asked Robert Saleh whether he attempted to poach new #49ers LB coach KJ Wright for his staff in Tennessee.

“It was an understanding from the beginning,” Saleh said. “Off limits.”

Saleh sees Wright rising fast.

“He’s going to be a coordinator really quick. I could see him…

— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) March 31, 2026

Before his promotion, Wright served as San Francisco’s defensive quality control coach for two seasons.

The 37-year-old was a former linebacker who spent ten NFL seasons with the Seattle Seahawks from 2011 to 2020 and with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021. Wright was a one-time Pro Bowl selection and won Super Bowl LVIII with the Seahawks.

As the current 49ers linebackers coach, Wright will work directly with All-Pro Fred Warner, the returning Dre Greenlaw, Pro Bowl selection Luke Gifford and other developing talent Dee Winters and Tatum Bethune.

It’s safe to say the 49ers are relieved to keep Wright in-house to continue strengthening their defense.

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