With the San Francisco 49ers at 5-8, it’s probably safe to look ahead to the off season. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh remains the betting favorite to land the job as head coach with the Detroit Lions. If not, he will likely be in talks for other vacancies. Saleh’s departure may not be the only attrition of 49ers’ coaching staff. The dispatcher is expected to keep an eye on some of the 49ers’ assistants to take with him.

Maybe those discussions between Saleh and head coach Kyle Shanahan have already started. At least, that’s what beatwriter Matt Barrows hears.

“I’ve heard there have been discussions between Saleh and Shanahan – horse trading, if you will – about which offensive coaches Saleh could take,” Barrows wrote in a recent postbag position for The Athletic.

Chances are, the options include an offensive coordinator. Run game coordinator Mike McDaniel and pass game coordinator Mike LaFleur appear to be potential candidates. With a plethora of San Francisco players slated to become free agents, a coaching staff around Saleh and McDaniel or LaFleur could make Detroit a tempting destination. However, it’s also worth noting that the Lions are expected to have even less salary headroom than the 49ers.

Barrows’ best Guess (emphasizing the word “guess”) What assistant might join Saleh in Detroit? That would be LaFleur, as Saleh has a “long-term relationship” with the LaFleur family. He and Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur remain close friends.

There may also be some defensive assistants willing to jump from the 49ers to the Lions if that means a promotion.

It’s just another interesting treat from Barrows.