![\"K.J.](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/01kn4ytvxmzry7rzn26n.jpg\" "\\"K.J.")
<\/p>\nIt wasn’t a surprise to the San Francisco 49ers that Robert Saleh left to become the head coach of the Tennessee Titans.<\/p>\n
His aspirations of being a head coach were evident last year before he returned. That’s why he took a few interviews for vacancies before agreeing to become the 49ers’ defensive coordinator.<\/p>\n
When Saleh departed, he was bound to poach a few coaches from the 49ers. The only one he ended up taking with him to Tennessee was predictably Gus Bradley.<\/p>\n
However, there was another coach Saleh wanted to bring with him, but the 49ers wouldn’t allow him to. This coach is someone whom Saleh believes is a defensive coordinator in the making.<\/p>\n
Saleh wanted to poach this coach<\/p>\n
Sep 9, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive quality control coach K.J. Wright watches the action against the New York Jets in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images | David Gonzales-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
It was K.J. Wright, who the 49ers just promoted to be the new linebackers coach.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was an understanding from the beginning,\u201d Saleh told ESPN\u2019s Nick Wagoner<\/a>. \u201cOff limits \u2013 He\u2019s going to be a coordinator really quick. I could see him easily progressing the way DeMeco did. He\u2019s got the same mindset. He\u2019s got the same respect from his players. KJ\u2019s going to be really good.\u201d<\/p>\n That is some incredible praise for Wright. When Saleh left for the New York Jets in 2020, he echoed a similar sentiment about DeMeco Ryans<\/a>.<\/p>\n If he is saying that, then it’s safe to say that Kyle Shanahan believes that as well. That’s why they didn’t want to let Wright go with Saleh to the Titans.<\/p>\n