Robert Saleh is now officially back with the San Francisco 49ers as their defensive coordinator. Prior to this appointment, he served in this capacity from 2017-2018. On January 25, he shared some exciting news — a huge career opportunity had come his way. He reunites with head coach Kyle Shanahan and steps into a role loaded with challenges that awaits the COMMIT function. Saleh’s respect for the 49ers organization runs deep, and he expresses eagerness to contribute to the team’s success once again.
Saleh returns after a three-year stint as head coach of the New York Jets. He finished his term with an abysmal 20-36 record, before being fired in October. After a difficult year in New York, Saleh didn’t want to take the year off from football. Rather, he seized on the chance to become a consultant for his longtime friend, Matt LaFleur — head coach of the NFL’s Green Bay Packers. This strategy not only kept him from being stuck in the pillory of his own bad judgment, it maintained his presence in the game.
During his first stint as 49ers defensive coordinator, Saleh experienced some immense challenges as a rookie DC. That’s right—his defenses finished 25th and 28th in points allowed during his first two seasons. But during his five years with the Jets, he turned himself into one of the most creative defensive minds. As a result, his unit went on to finish amongst the NFL’s top eight squads in points allowed, yards allowed, takeaways, defensive expected points added, yards per play allowed and passing yards per game allowed.
As he transitions back into his role with the 49ers, Saleh acknowledges the challenge ahead in 2025: developing young defenders. He aims to implement a system that takes advantage of evolving defensive principles while building on the foundation set during his first stint.
“When we went to the Jets, there was a lot of different things that we started to do, and even now while we have some things from the Jets, there’s stuff that has evolved over the course of the last four years here,” Saleh stated. “Obviously with the league, there’s stuff happening.”
With the 2023 season approaching, Saleh stresses the importance of a future-focused mindset. He wants to be two steps ahead of offensive trends so that his defense can always be a season or two in front of the competition.
“You’re always trying to stay two years ahead of offense,” Saleh expressed.
The new defensive coordinator’s game plan will combine (or build off) proven and innovative ideas that best fit the 49ers thriving—yet changing—roster. He promised a groundbreaking creative playbook full of “really cool concepts.” Some parts you’ll recognize, some will feature new adaptations to suit the league’s modern-day ecosystem.
“Over this offseason, a lot of really cool concepts, a lot of really cool things. Some things are the same, some things are the same from the Jets, some things are meshed, some things are coming in that’s new,” Saleh shared.
In truth, Saleh relies a lot on Seattle-style defensive principles, much like those he used back when he was in San Francisco. He acknowledged that the defense has changed a lot since then.
Saleh has been reunited with Shanahan and new OC Klay Kubiak. He’s looking forward to testing his wits and deploying his tactical honed strategies. His familiarity with and bond with Shanahan only increases their joint efforts to provide a strong team culture where winning is the primary objective.
Saleh asserts that coaching always remains his top priority.
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for this organization,” he remarked, underscoring his dedication to fostering success within the team.
We wish Saleh the best as he starts his new professional chapter. With him, he carries a wealth of experience, renewed vigor and an impressive commitment to excellence. The 49ers organization hopes that under his guidance, their defense will not only improve but become a formidable force in the NFL.
“It sounds good [to] wake up every morning, take my kids to school, go golf and then go watch tape. But coaching ball was always option one,” he stated.
As Saleh embarks on this new chapter in his career, he carries with him valuable experience, renewed vigor, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The 49ers organization hopes that under his guidance, their defense will not only improve but become a formidable force in the NFL.
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