HOUSTON — The San Francisco 49ers suffered a bruising 26–15 loss to the Houston Texans on October 26, 2025, at NRG Stadium, dropping their record to 4–4 and intensifying scrutiny on a defense crippled by the absence of stars Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. The defeat, coupled with controversial referee decisions called out by Seahawks legend Russell Wilson, has sparked a firestorm, with 49ers CEO Jed York reportedly contemplating a drastic move regarding defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. Sources close to the organization, per The Athletic, indicate York is “deeply concerned” about the defense’s collapse, allowing 7.2 yards per play and 318 passing yards to Texans QB C.J. Stroud, prompting discussions about Saleh’s future. “This isn’t the standard we set,” York told reporters postgame, hinting at potential changes.
The 49ers’ defense, already reeling from season-ending injuries to Bosa (knee) and Warner (ankle), was exposed as Stroud carved through a depleted secondary, with WR Nico Collins racking up 122 yards. The sports card above details the 49ers’ struggles: just 9 pressures and 1 sack (by Mykel Williams) on Stroud, a far cry from their 2023 dominance (48 sacks, NFL-high). Offensively, QB Mac Jones, starting again for the injured Brock Purdy (shoulder), went 19-of-32 for 193 yards, 2 TDs (to George Kittle and Jake Tonges), and a critical interception that sealed the loss. Christian McCaffrey managed 62 rushing yards, but the run game stalled at 67 total yards, per ESPN stats. Kicker Jake Moody’s two missed field goals (43 and 38 yards) further buried the 49ers, leading to his immediate release and retirement, as reported earlier.
Saleh, who returned as defensive coordinator in 2025 after a stint as Jets head coach, faced criticism for failing to adjust without his star linebackers. Houston converted 6-of-11 third downs, exploiting young defenders like rookie Marques Sigle, who struggled in coverage (PFF grade: 52.3). “We didn’t execute, plain and simple,” Saleh said, per 49ers.com. “But we’ve got to find ways to win despite the injuries.” X posts erupted with #FireSaleh trending at 50K posts, with fans citing the defense’s 19.8 points allowed per game without Bosa and Warner as “unacceptable for a Super Bowl contender.” Analyst David Lombardi tweeted, “Saleh’s schemes look lost without elite talent to execute them. York’s patience is wearing thin.”
York’s deliberations come at a pivotal moment. The 49ers, tied atop the NFC West, face a grueling stretch (vs. Giants, at Dallas, vs. Chiefs) with Purdy’s return uncertain. Sources tell NBC Sports Bay Area that York met with GM John Lynch and HC Kyle Shanahan postgame to discuss “immediate steps,” with Saleh’s job on the line unless the defense rebounds. Shanahan defended his coordinator: “Robert’s dealing with a tough hand. We’re not giving up on him yet.” However, the re-signing of veteran Robbie Gould and reported interest in trade-deadline edge rushers (per NFL Network) signal urgency. The 49ers’ last game, a 30–19 loss to the Buccaneers on October 12, also exposed defensive woes (6 sacks allowed on Jones, 7.0 yards per play), fueling York’s concerns.
The fanbase is restless. X posts show a split: some defend Saleh’s track record (Jets’ No. 2 total defense in 2022), while others demand a shake-up, pointing to the 49ers’ 1–3 record in games without Warner. “No Bosa, no Warner, no excuses—Saleh’s gotta go,” one user posted. With the trade deadline looming (Nov. 4), York’s next move could reshape the season. Will he pull the trigger on Saleh, or double down on the roster? The clock’s ticking for a team desperate to salvage its Super Bowl hopes.
