New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh - Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
After weeks of speculation, Robert Saleh is officially returning to the San Francisco 49ers. Saleh spent the last four seasons as head coach of the New York Jets. He was let go early in the 2024 season and will return to San Francisco in 2025.
How the Return Came to Be:
After the Jets began the season with a 2-3 record, Saleh was let go by the Jets. He joined the Green Bay Packers for the remainder of the 2024 season as an offensive consultant. Following the 2024 season, it was time for Saleh to begin looking for a new position.
It was clear that 49ers fans wanted Saleh back as defensive coordinator since he was let go by the Jets. Not long after the season ended, it was evident the team wanted him back too. The 49ers offered Saleh the chance to be the highest-paid defensive coordinator.
Saleh still wanted the chance to pursue a head coaching job. He had completed interviews with the Dallas Cowboys and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Saleh was set to have a second interview with the Jaguars on Jan. 24, but then Jacksonville had a sudden turn of events.
It was reported that Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen had taken himself out of the running and chose to stay with Tampa Bay. For the 49ers fans, it appeared the chance for Saleh to return to San Francisco was over. The Jaguars let go of their general manager, Trent Baalke soon after. On Jan. 23, Coen was reportedly back to speaking to Jacksonville, and soon after got the job.
On Jan. 24, the Dallas Cowboys hired Brian Schottenheimer as their head coach, which was followed by the news of Saleh returning to the 49ers.
Robert Saleh Stint 1:
Saleh was the 49ers defensive coordinator from 2017-2020. Following the 2018 season, it looked a tad bleak for the coordinator. The team was set up with the No. 2 overall draft pick, but then they drafted defensive end Nick Bosa. The 49ers had one of the top defenses in 2019 and made it to their first Super Bowl under Kyle Shanahan.
Saleh took a head coaching job with the Jets following the 2020 season. While 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans stepped in and had success. Ryans is now head coach of the Houston Texans the 49ers’ defense has had a drop since he left.
In 2019, the 49ers defense ranked No. 1 in total yards allowed, Passing yards allowed, and yarders per play allowed. It was a dominant and energetic defense that this 49ers team has lacked. There are only two starters on the defense who overlapped with Salehs time. Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner.
One-Year Deal?
The 49ers went all in on Saleh, and are lucky that it worked out. It could have turned into a season of settling for the best left. But it worked out and Saleh is back. If this works out, is this just for one year?
There is always this chance. If Saleh has a strong season and begins interviewing for head coaching jobs, it could be a one-year deal. His goal is still to be a head coach eventually. Before accepting the defensive coordinator position, Saleh pursued his chances for the head coaching position.
The 49ers are focusing on the 2025 NFL season. If Saleh leaves for a head coaching position in 2026, that means the 2025 defense will be back to being dominant. It would be unfortunate to lose him, but it means the team had success.
The San Francisco 49ers ended the 2024 season with a 6-11 record. There were issues with more than just the defense, but this is a step in the right direction for fixing the issues on the team.
