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Photo: Alex Brandon / Associated Press Image 1 of / 9 Caption Close Image 2 of 9 49ers defensive line coach Jim Tomsula 49ers defensive line coach Jim Tomsula Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle Image 3 of 9 Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn Photo: Scott Eklund / Associated Press Image 4 of 9 Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images Image 5 of 9 Image 6 of 9 New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels Photo: Elise Amendola / Associated Press Image 7 of 9 Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan Photo: Mark Duncan / Associated Press Image 8 of 9 Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase Photo: Kathy Willens / Associated Press Image 9 of 9 Getting defensive: 49ers will interview Rex Ryan; have sit-downs with Fangio, Quinn 1 / 9 Back to Gallery

After struggling offensively en route to an 8-8 season, the 49ers have started their coaching search defensively.

After interviewing their defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, this morning they will interview Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn tonight in Seattle, Fox Sports reported. Next week, the New York Daily News reported they will interview Rex Ryan, 52, the defensive-minded former Jets head coach who was fired Monday after a 4-12 season.

Fangio and Ryan have a connection after they worked well together on the Ravens defensive staff from 2006-09. Niners offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who was on Baltimore’s staff from 2006-07, has credited the colorful Ryan for helping the more-reserved Fangio loosen up a bit.

Ryan is the biggest name connected to the 49ers’ opening. They have also sought permission to interview Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, 35; Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase, 36; Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, 38, and Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, 51.

After leading the Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship Games to open his six-year tenure in New York, Ryan finished with a 26-38 record in four straight non-playoff seasons.

Meanwhile, Quinn, 44, who was a 49ers assistant from 2001 to 2004, has overseen one of the most dominating defenses in NFL history since he became Seattle’s coordinator in 2013. The Seahawks have allowed the fewest points and yards in the NFL the past two seasons, becoming the fourth team in league history to lead the league in those categories in consecutive seasons.

The 49ers, of course, know all about Seattle’s smothering defense. Since 2013, the 49ers are 1-4 against the Seahawks and have averaged 9.8 points in those games.

Twitter: @Eric_Branch