Deshea Townsend

The 49ers completed an interview with Lions defensive backs coach and defensive passing game coordinator Deshea Townsend for their vacant defensive coordinator position.

Townsend has served as a defensive backs coach for six NFL teams since 2011. He took on defensive passing game coordinator responsibilities as well while with the Jaguars from 2022-2023 before spending the 2024 season with the Lions in similar roles. The Lions’ defense has played well despite suffering myriad injuries this season, no doubt impressing head coaches across the league.