It’s now official: Robert Saleh is heading back to San Francisco. After reports from Matt Barrows, Michael Silver and Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic that Saleh was expected to join the 49ers as their defensive coordinator, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network officially delivered the news tonight that Saleh will call the defense in the Bay Area, once again. 
The report came as a result of the Cowboys hiring of their former offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer as their head coach. Saleh had interviewed for three head coaching positions but had committed to head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch that, should be not get another head coaching job, he would return to San Francisco as defensive coordinator, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. With his last opportunity for a job this cycle gone, his decision was made.
A reunion with Saleh always seemed like the likeliest outcome as the 49ers sought a replacement for Nick Sorensen. While Saleh interviewed for jobs with the Cowboys and Raiders, his main shot at immediately returning to the HC role appeared to be with the Jaguars. However, that situation took a major turn when Liam Coen reentered the sweepstakes and won the job. Saleh was set to meet with the Jaguars for a second interview, but the coach cancelled his flight after learning about the Coen news.
Following the news, the veteran coach was expected to land back in San Francisco, where he first earned a reputation as one of the league’s top defensive minds. Saleh spent four years as the 49ers defensive coordinator, and he quickly elevated his unit to one of the best in the NFL. The coach parlayed that performance into a head coaching job with the Jets, and he admirably lasted three-plus seasons in New York despite never finishing with a winning record. When he was canned midway through the 2024 season, Saleh had put together a 20-36 record as head coach.
Since the 49ers decided to move Sorensen off of his DC post earlier this offseason, Saleh had been a popular name for the vacancy. The 49ers have actually kept their search relatively small, as Saleh was only joined by 49ers assistant head coach Brandon Staley and Lions defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend on the list of candidates. Still, considering Saleh’s prior relationship and success with the organization, he always seemed like the front runner.
It sounds like Saleh won’t request many sweeping changes to the defensive coaching staff. As The Athletic notes, many of his top lieutenants are still in San Francisco, including defensive line coach Kris Kocurek, linebackers coach Johnny Holland, and defensive backs coach Daniel Bullocks.
Ely Allen contributed to this post.
Hallelujah!!!!
Good for Saleh going back to a functional organization and rebuilding his career a minute before taking another head coach job. Good for Shanahan getting Saleh back when that defense needs a little rebuilding.
I think it’s a really, really smart move in his part, I agree.
Jackpot
This is A disgrace move. He’s a power head coach. He’s not a Brady baby Belicheck boomer bouncer. Lol. Never go back. Golden rule.
You ok man?
Annie?
lol. guy got hosed in new York. Guy is head coach on 15 teams right now.
Except only one team wanted to interview him and didn’t choose him. Would you want him to sit at home and not get a paycheck rather than going back to SF and being the highest paid DC?
@ Rex / You can go back if you don’t mind your X wife making you sleep on the couch 🙂
Wtf is a Brady Belichick boomer bouncer?
You wanna give that a shot in English?
I was hoping he would come home to Detroit but he had more success in San Francisco. Many of the same players as his first stint so it should be a smooth transition.
….still waiting…..sign here.
Strange that he’s had no other interviews for DC. Did he tell other teams he’d only interview for HC?
If no HC opps (as indicated per the article), wouldn’t you go to a well-run org where you are familiar and appreciated? Seems like a no-brainer and bully for the 49ers!
Yes, I agree it’s familiar and he’s appreciated. The issue is if he wants to be a head coach again, going back to SF doesn’t do much to add to his experience. I’d think teams have learned from Josh McDaniels going back to the Patriots. (Maybe not, owners have money to burn. LOL) Yes, he’ll do well in a familiar environment, but that’s expected. What would he do if he went to a team needing a DC and he turns it around? Now he’s a more impressive candidate.
The 49er defense was atrocious this year. They couldn’t stop the run, contain the pocket and were terrible in the red zone. That was before the injuries piled up. Turning this defense around back into a top 5 unit will be exactly what he needs for his resume.
Wrong. Some related questions he’ll get if he gets a chance at a HC job again.
Last time you created a good d in SF, you got HC job with the Jets and lost your job with a losing record. Why would anyone hiring you expect different results from you as a HC?
Why didn’t you go to a different team to work with different players and different staff?
Are you afraid of learning something by working with people outside of your comfort zone? Many of your hires (including two OCs and a DC) are people you have worked with, suggesting you only work with people you know. Why not bring in some new ideas, philosophy to expand your knowledge and network of connections in the NFL?
You ever think that very few head coaching positions had something to do with it? Maybe he didn’t want LV or Jax? I don’t think Salah has seen the end of HC chances. He may just need to go somewhere and let his OC have control of the offense and then he can control the defense.
I started the thread with the question about the only DC interview being SF, not about him turning down current HC interviews.
Glad he’s staying in his lane. Now Saleh can play Torrey Pines n Pebble Beach
Saleh is going to be the highest paid DC in the NFL.
I was born and raised in the Bay Area and still live here.
Every city and state has problems and issues, so to negative
losers that speak bad about the Bay Area, you are clueless morons and need to take care of your infested areas where you live and not worry about the Bay Area. We’ll be just fine without your negative red state attitudes.
Jesus, defensive much?? lol
I was raised there, please don’t defend the dystopian wasteland it has become.
Great move. He’ll be a head coach again anyway what’s the rush
Soft division and they’re playing a last place schedule. Draft well in the trenches and get a kicker. Niners will be back!
Sometimes great coaches thrive at the coordinator’s level but they are not always best to serve as a head coach. Robert can be that guy because as a defensive mine he awesome. Wishing him the best back in San Fran
Not every good Coordinator can transition to being a good HC….sometimes it makes sense to stay in your lane and reap the rewards….Saleh may be just that kind of guy….of course it helps having really good players too …lol