Fooch’s update: Ian Rapoport is reporting Robert Saleh is also in town for a DC interview. They could end up as co-defensive coordinators.
The San Francisco 49ers coaching staff is quickly coming together, and on Friday, Kyle Shanahan will be interviewing an option for defensive coordinator. Atlanta Falcons defensive passing game coordinator Jerome Henderson will be in town to discuss the job, according to ESPN writer Vaughn McClure.
Sporting News NFL columnist Alex Marvez previously reported Shanahan was targeting Henderson for a co-defensive coordinator role with Robert Saleh. We have not heard anything since about Saleh, but this should all wrap up fairly quickly.
The defensive coaching staff is particularly critical given Shanahan’s own work almost exclusively as an offensive coach. Shanahan has previously said he has learned from defensive coaches because it helps improve the offense, but it is still a sizable step from that to being a head coach and overseeing both sides of the ball. A DC under Shanahan or co-DCs would likely have a significant amount of autonomy.
Here is a look at Henderson’s resume:
2006: Director of player development, New York Jets
2007: Assistant Defensive Backs, New York Jets
2008: Defensive Backs, New York Jets
2009-11: Defensive Backs, Cleveland Browns
2012-15: Defensive Backs, Dallas Cowboys
2016: Defensive passing game coordinator, Atlanta Falcons