Saleh's homecoming ignites the 49ers' defense, showcasing immediate impact and elevated play from emerging stars, proving his return is no mere reunion.
The 49ers didn’t just hope Robert Saleh’s return would revive their defense, we are more than halfway through the season, it’s clear that him coming back home has paid off. Saleh’s familiarity with San Francisco’s culture, paired with the growth he gained during his Jets tenure, has positioned him perfectly to elevate this unit back into one of the NFL’s most feared groups.
A Familiar Name, a New Beginning
Saleh officially returned to the 49ers in January 2025 as their defensive coordinator. He previously held that same role from 2017–2020, then left the Bay Area to become head coach of the New York Jets.
In New York, he oversaw a defense that ranked among the NFL’s best. His Jets posted top-10 marks in multiple categories: first in passing yards allowed per game (178.9), first in opponent yards per play (4.7), second in total defense (301.7), and sixth in opponent rushing yards per game (4.1). Over that span, the unit recorded 93 sacks and 29 interceptions which is elite-level production.
That success, combined with his previous 49ers track record, made him an attractive return candidate. Several teams reportedly considered him for head coaching openings, but when no offer materialized, Saleh opted to return home.
Why the 49ers Trusted Him Before — And Still Do
During his first stint as 49ers DC, Saleh built a defense that played a major role in the team’s 2019 Super Bowl run. That year, San Francisco’s defense ranked: 1st in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (169.2), 2nd in total defense (281.8 yards per game), and top-ranked in pass defense, and among the league’s very best on third-down stops.
Saleh’s return isn’t just nostalgia, it’s a statement. He told reporters he feels “indebted” to the organization, acknowledging how the 49ers stuck with him through the lean early years, and is excited to rebuild with a global perspective shaped by his head coaching experience.
A Coordinator with a Vision—and the Tools
Saleh has said that one of the biggest changes for him isn’t the place, it’s the vantage point. After serving as a head coach, he now returns with a broader understanding of team-building, roster construction, and the challenges Shanahan faces on offense. He believes that perspective has made him a more effective coordinator this time around.
Despite major injuries to several of the 49ers’ defensive stars, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and 2025 first-round pick Mykel Williams, Saleh has already shown why his return matters. Instead of crumbling under the weight of those losses, he’s elevated the next men up. Young defenders like Dee Winters, Malik Mustapha, CJ West, and Jalen Graham have taken noticeable leaps under his coaching, thriving in roles many wouldn’t have expected them to handle this early. Saleh’s ability to develop inexperienced talent on the fly has kept the defense competitive, disciplined, and increasingly confident each week.
What Saleh’s Return Means for 2025
- Scheme familiarity + experience: Saleh knows the base system inside-out, but brings back fresh innovations from his time in New York. He told reporters the defense has “cool new concepts” this year, which we haven’t seen so much of this season due to injury but are looking forward to seeing next season.
- Leadership & culture reset: His return stabilizes a position that’s seen three different DCs in four seasons. As the 49ers’ GM put it: “It felt like he never left.”
- Maximizing roster talent: With elite personnel and even with rookies that need to be developed, Saleh has reestablished San Francisco’s defense as the identity defining unit it was in 2019.
What Head Coach Kyle Shanahan Has to Say
When asked about Saleh’s return, Shanahan didn’t hide his enthusiasm: “It’s awesome having Saleh back. Everyone’s familiar with him here.” He emphasized that despite turnover, Saleh’s presence brings continuity, energy, and trust. For a 49ers team with this many injuries on defense, Saleh’s return was exactly what they needed.
Stay tuned for the final installment of my 49ers coordinator series, where I’ll break down offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak and the vision he’s bringing to San Francisco’s offense.