Shanahan Takes Issue With Saleh Revealing 49ers' Draft Plans

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated he was not pleased that his former defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh, revealed details about the team's draft considerations for running back Cam Skattebo.

Saleh, now the head coach of the Tennessee Titans, mentioned during a press conference on Wednesday that the 49ers were close to drafting Skattebo before he was selected by another team. Saleh, who served as the 49ers' defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020 and again in 2025, stated that Shanahan "loved him."

During an appearance on KNBR's "The Sports Leader" radio show on Thursday, Shanahan was asked about Saleh's comments. "Yes, I do," Shanahan responded with a laugh when asked if he minded. He elaborated, stating that such disclosures go beyond mere Xs and Os.

"It's when people go in other buildings that have been in your building for so long, that kind of, you know, they go over the philosophies, how you look at the team, the personnel, things like that," Shanahan said. "So it’s more than just the X’s and O’s."

The comments suggest Shanahan's discomfort stems from former staff members sharing internal team strategies and philosophies with new organizations, a common challenge for successful coaches as their assistants move on to leadership roles elsewhere.