Saleh’s firing by Jets shocks Shanahan, who praises 49ers DC Sorensen

Saleh’s firing by Jets shocks Shanahan, who praises 49ers DC Sorensen originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

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SANTA CLARA — The first two defensive coordinators under 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan parlayed their successes into NFL head-coaching positions.

But it was not always smooth sailing from the beginning for Robert Saleh and DeMeco Ryans.

That is what first-year coordinator Nick Sorensen might be experiencing right now.

The 49ers have seen their points allowed per game rise from 17.5 last season to 21.2 points in the first five games of the 2024 season. They’re allowing 4 yards more per game over a year ago.

Shanahan listed the reasons he believes Sorensen was the right choice as defensive coordinator.

“I think Nick’s doing a real good job,” Shanahan said on Tuesday. “I’ve been impressed with him since the beginning. Each week I like how he handles the defensive staff. I like how he sets up the practices. I’ve liked his game plans. I like how he’s calling it, so I’m real happy with him so far.”

Sorensen as the choice to replace Steve Wilks, whom Shanahan fired after one season, is not the only change on the defense.

The 49ers have a bunch of new players on the defensive line, and standout linebacker Dre Greenlaw is out until at least the middle of the season as he continues physical therapy in order to return from a torn Achilles.

The discussion of Sorensen’s job performance outside the building was turned up a few notches on Tuesday when Saleh was fired as head coach of the New York Jets.

The Jets owe Saleh all the money scheduled on his contract through the 2025 season, and he is expected to sit out the remainder of the season in order to weigh his options for next year and beyond.

Shanahan said the Jets’ decision caught him by surprise.

“I sent him a…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/salehs-firing-jets-shocks-shanahan-212446722.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2024-10-08 22:50:12

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