49ers praise potential Robert Saleh defensive coordinator heir Gus Bradley

SANTA CLARA — On Monday, when Fred Warner spoke to the media, the 49ers linebacker still had hope that Robert Saleh would remain the team’s defensive coordinator in 2026, but that was not to be. “It would suck a lot,” Warner said of his coordinator’s possible departure. “But of course, I always think of Saleh, the man and the relationship that we have, and of course I want him to have that opportunity again, but selfishly, of course I want him to stay here as well and have a chance at going and wining this thing next season. We will see. Time will tell.”Less than 10 hours later, at approximately 9:00 p.m. PT on Monday evening, news broke that Saleh reportedly is finalizing a deal to become the Tennessee Titans head coach. The 49ers will go through the appropriate procedures to hire their next defensive coordinator, but they do have a candidate already in the building. During the 2025 offseason, general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan planned ahead by hiring Gus Bradley as their assistant head coach of defense. “He is the original storyteller,” Warner said of Bradley with a smile. “For years, I heard...