Robert Saleh Returns to 49ers as Defensive Coordinator for Second Stint
In an exciting turn of events, Robert Saleh is making his return to the San Francisco 49ers as their defensive coordinator for a second stint. According to sources close to the situation, Saleh is rejoining the team after a turbulent period as the head coach of the New York Jets. His decision comes after several high-profile coaching roles were filled, including those with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys, and Las Vegas Raiders. With the head coaching vacancies now settled, Saleh is refocusing his energy on returning to a position where he once thrived.
Saleh's tenure with the 49ers began in 2017, when he was initially hired as head coach Kyle Shanahan’s first defensive coordinator. His first two seasons saw a defense that struggled to find its rhythm. However, after the team made significant strides, particularly with the drafting of defensive end Nick Bosa in 2019, Saleh’s defense transformed into one of the most formidable in the league. Under his leadership, the Niners made an impressive run to the Super Bowl during the 2019 season. The following year, even with Bosa sidelined due to injury, the 49ers' defense continued to perform at a high level, leading to Saleh’s head coaching job with the Jets.
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Unfortunately, his time with the Jets did not go as planned. Despite building a strong defensive unit in New York, Saleh was let go midway through the 2024 season. Despite this, his reputation as a defensive mastermind has remained intact. During his time with the Jets, his defense stood out, but the team as a whole struggled, which led to his dismissal. Now, with the 49ers, Saleh is tasked with rebuilding a defense that has faced challenges in recent years.
In the 2024 season, the 49ers' defense, under defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen, faced a series of issues. Injuries plagued the unit, and they were unable to generate consistent pressure on quarterbacks or force turnovers, ranking near the bottom of the league in key defensive categories. In fact, the Niners finished 29th in the league in scoring defense, allowing 25.6 points per game, and managed only 17 takeaways, one of the fewest in the league. This decline in performance compared to previous years, where the defense was a dominant force, made it clear that the team needed a change.
Saleh’s return brings hope for a revitalization of the defense, especially given the history of success under his leadership. His aggressive defensive schemes and ability to get the most out of his players were critical to the team’s prior success. Now, with an opportunity to once again shape the 49ers' defense, Saleh is expected to help restore the unit to its former glory, using his experience to fix the gaps and return to the high-level performance the Niners had become known for.
While Saleh’s return as defensive coordinator is a major shift for the 49ers, the team is also looking to fill other key positions, including that of offensive coordinator. It’s been reported that Klay Kubiak, the team’s passing game specialist, could be promoted to offensive coordinator, a role that has remained vacant since Mike McDaniel left for the Miami Dolphins. The Niners will also be conducting a search for a new special teams coordinator.
As for Saleh, while his future as a head coach remains uncertain, his return to the 49ers is a significant moment for the team. His expertise in defense could be the key to regaining the team’s competitive edge, and fans are eager to see how his second stint with the team plays out. Only time will tell if this move will bring the Niners back to their dominant form or if further adjustments will be needed to make another Super Bowl run.
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