Robert Saleh is set to return to the San Francisco 49ers, rejoining the coaching staff as their defensive coordinator, a role he previously held before taking the helm as the head coach of the New York Jets. This marks a significant shift in the coaching landscape, pulling him away from potential head coaching opportunities with teams like the Jaguars and Cowboys.
Following the 49ers’ disappointing 2024 season, in which they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020 after three consecutive trips to the NFC Championship Game, the team is making changes to revitalize their efforts. Saleh’s previous tenure with the 49ers, where he served as defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020 and helped guide the team to the Super Bowl in 2019, makes this a notable move.
According to The Athletic, Saleh’s hiring was confirmed, with reports stating he will be the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the NFL. While his time as head coach in New York had its challenges, including being fired mid-season and subsequently working as a consultant for the Green Bay Packers, he returns to a 49ers team rich with talent eager for a playoff rebound.
San Francisco hopes that re-hiring Saleh is a crucial step towards making a successful playoff return next year. The NFL community has already begun reacting to the news of his return.
BREAKING NEWS: The #49ers have hired Robert Saleh as the team’s Defensive Coordinator, per source. Making him the highest paid DC in the NFL. SALEH IS OFFICIALLY BACK #FTTB pic.twitter.com/5YfrdWPExb
— 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) January 24, 2025
BANG pic.twitter.com/pKTVm4uULM https://t.co/pRlt0xGsUq
— Akash Anavarathan (@akashanav) January 24, 2025
Bring the fire back Robert 🔥 https://t.co/EVB7kXwOMb pic.twitter.com/JV5Fxz78hk
— Joselu (@ppzuniga) January 24, 2025
Amazing news https://t.co/PK8f8o916a
— Ken Lotich (@kenlotich) January 24, 2025
