Deshea Townsend oversaw a Detroit Lions secondary that finished 30th in NFL in pass defense this season but tied for the fifth-most interceptions.

The 49ers announced on Thursday they have completed an interview with Detroit Lions passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend for their vacant defensive coordinator spot. Townsend interviewed virtually for the opening.

The San Francisco 49ers announced that they have completed an interview with Detroit Lions defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend for their defensive coordinator vacancy.

Less than 48 hours after firing Nick Sorensen as defensive coordinator, the 49ers have turned to someone familiar as a potential replacement. The team has interviewed former New York Jets coach Robert Saleh and current Lions defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend for the opening.

San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan shared what he is looking for in the team's next defensive coordinator.