SANTA CLARA — leader for the 49ers defense, racking up 16 tackles — 8 solo -- in San Francisco's Week 9 win over the New York Giants.
Bethune, now the All-Pro as a valuable resource.
“I usually text Fred after the games to see his thoughts on everything,” Bethune said on Wednesday. “But most of the time when I talk to him, is whenever he’s in the building for his therapy. After that, I just let him focus on himself and get better.”
Bethune was a seventh-round pick (No. 251) of the 2024 NFL Draft who appeared in 11 games as a rookie, one as a starter. The majority of the Florida State product’s experience, before Week 5, had been on special teams.
“It’s still coming along,” Bethune said of his transition to starting middle linebacker. “I’m just trying to be there for the plays, for how they work, for me coming in. It’s something new, so that [comfort] level is still rising up. As you can see my play is getting better.”
Bethune said Warner is completely honest with his assessment of the defense’s performance, texting when the games are away from Levi’s Stadium, but constantly keeping in touch.
“If you play bad, you play bad,” Bethune said. “If you play legendary, he’s going to tell you. He’s going to put it in all caps with fire emojis, and I got that last week. It kind of felt good. But yeah, he’s going to keep it real with you all the time. That’s what I respect the most out of Fred. He’s not going to sugarcoat anything.”
San Francisco 49ers
Find the latest San Francisco 49ers news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
While Bethune has been a tackling machine of late, there is one aspect of his game that he wants to improve upon — generating takeaways. The defense has struggled with a minus-6 turnover margin, losing possession 13 times through nine interceptions and four fumbles lost.
The defense has only one interception through nine games and six fumble recoveries.
“In college, I always racked up a couple tackles but tackles are a non-negotiable,” Bethune said. “I feel like I need to be better in the pass game and just getting the ball out and creating turnovers for the defense.
“Just got to keep working, and it comes with preparation and just being ready for the game."
Bethune and the 49ers' defense have a tall task ahead in stopping quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams' high-powered offense on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
But one thing is certain: Warner will be in Bethune's ear, providing feedback.