Jeff Hafley is close to landing the Dolphins gig and is considered a finalist in Atlanta if Stefanski falls through. So who would we get to replace him?
First and strongest is promoting Demarcus Covington to that position; he's a hot name, and the scheme stays the same. 90% chance that is the move MLF makes.
The first two names being floated are Raheem Morris, who is a friend of MLF and would also be someone he could bounce things off of...long shot in my eyes, but he's a great D, awful HC.
Defensive Identity: Aggressive man coverage • Takeaways • Technique High floor. Immediate impact. Some questions about full-unit coordination — but massive upside. Player-friendly leader
Jimmy Leonhard, they came close before, and that hire instantly makes the hometown fans jump onboard. Very aggressive defense, sometimes gives up big chunks, but makes up for it with big plays. Loves to blitz. Player-friendly leader
Morris can run both schemes, while JL is a pure 34 guy.
A couple of other names.....
Gus Bradley, Niners asst HC defense, former DC for the Colts, Chargers, and Seahawks, as well as Jax HC. Runs a 43 D. I like this option a lot. A native of Zumbrota, MN, Bradley played collegiately at North Dakota State... midwest guy.
Also, Johnny Holland, a former Packer on the Niners staff, would be interesting.
Jim Schwartz is available from the Browns...his scheme, which is more multiple, is a fit as well.
He doesn’t chase turnovers; he ends drives. His units dominate third down, create constant pressure with four, and force offenses off the field.
Signature results:
• Elite third-down and three-and-out rates
• Dominant defensive lines (Eagles, Browns)
• Playoff-caliber units across eras
Not flashy — but brutally effective.
First and strongest is promoting Demarcus Covington to that position; he's a hot name, and the scheme stays the same. 90% chance that is the move MLF makes.
The first two names being floated are Raheem Morris, who is a friend of MLF and would also be someone he could bounce things off of...long shot in my eyes, but he's a great D, awful HC.
Defensive Identity: Aggressive man coverage • Takeaways • Technique High floor. Immediate impact. Some questions about full-unit coordination — but massive upside. Player-friendly leader
Jimmy Leonhard, they came close before, and that hire instantly makes the hometown fans jump onboard. Very aggressive defense, sometimes gives up big chunks, but makes up for it with big plays. Loves to blitz. Player-friendly leader
Morris can run both schemes, while JL is a pure 34 guy.
A couple of other names.....
Gus Bradley, Niners asst HC defense, former DC for the Colts, Chargers, and Seahawks, as well as Jax HC. Runs a 43 D. I like this option a lot. A native of Zumbrota, MN, Bradley played collegiately at North Dakota State... midwest guy.
Also, Johnny Holland, a former Packer on the Niners staff, would be interesting.
Jim Schwartz is available from the Browns...his scheme, which is more multiple, is a fit as well.
He doesn’t chase turnovers; he ends drives. His units dominate third down, create constant pressure with four, and force offenses off the field.
Signature results:
• Elite third-down and three-and-out rates
• Dominant defensive lines (Eagles, Browns)
• Playoff-caliber units across eras
Not flashy — but brutally effective.
