In 2025, a familiar face will lead the San Francisco 49ers’ defence.
Robert Saleh, who commanded Kyle Shanahan’s defence from 2017 to 2020 before becoming the head coach of the New York Jets, will return to the Bay Area to assist the 49ers get back on track, according to The Athletic.
The Jets fired Saleh following a 2-3 start to the 24th season and a 20-36 overall record, which was marred by the team’s inability to stabilize the quarterback position. Former No. 2 pick Zach Wilson never established himself as a starting quarterback, and Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles on the first drive of the 2023 season. He healed in time to play in ’24, but he was not the MVP-caliber player he had been with the Green Bay Packers a few years prior.
Saleh maintained head coaching interest throughout the league, engaging with the Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Las Vegas Raiders about open positions. While two of those positions remain empty, Saleh appears to be comfortable returning to Shanahan’s team.
Under Saleh, the 49ers finished in the top five in total defence in both 2019 and 2020. This year’s defence allowed only 317.4 yards per game (eighth in the NFL), but it tied for 27th in scoring with 25.6 points per game.
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