What an opportunity for the 49ers.

The New York Jets, one of the worst franchises in football, just fired their head coach Robert Saleh just five games into the season. The Jets currently have the same record as the 49ers: 2-3. And their defense is excellent. Their problem is their quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. He’s old and washed up. Saleh was not their problem.

But now he’s a free agent, and the 49ers happen to need a defensive coordinator.

Their current defensive coordinator, Nick Sorensen, is not doing so well. Nick Bosa called him out after Sunday’s loss to the Cardinals for not adjusting quickly enough to the 49ers’ losses. It seems like Sorensen is losing the trust of the players.

If the 49ers defense struggles in the next three games – against the Seahawks, the Chiefs and the Cowboys – I could see the 49ers making a coaching change in the bye week. They may not have a choice.

The 49ers could potentially replace Sorensen with assistant head coach Brandon Staley, who has a defensive background. But he is part of the current staff that does not adapt quickly enough mid-match. I don’t see how promoting him would solve the 49ers’ problems.

Saleh is a much better defensive coach than Sorensen and Staley. Saleh is one of the best defensive coaches in the league. That means the 49ers have to make him an offer he can’t refuse because he has the ability to save their season, which is already on the brink of disaster.

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