Preparing to hire a fourth defensive coordinator in four years, the 49ers have a familiar name on the radar. As could be expected based on his success in San Francisco (and the Jets’ freefall after his early-season firing), Robert Saleh is a name to monitor in this search.
Although the Jaguars are set to meet with Saleh about their head coaching job on Jan. 14, veteran NFL insider Josina Anderson reports the former 49ers DC can expect to receive an offer about returning to that job soon as well.
[RELATED: 49ers Fire ST Coordinator Brian Schneider]
Saleh was the 49ers’ DC from 2017-20 and spent the past three-plus seasons heading up the Jets’ defense — one that climbed into the top five in the NFL in 2022 and ’23. The Jets dismissed him from his post after five games this past season. After starting 2-3, Gang Green finished the season 5-12. While the 49ers attempted to land Jeff Ulbrich for their DC post last year, his recent boss appears to be the priority for the NFC West franchise.
The 49ers are not bringing Nick Sorensen back as DC, but they are also not certain to be removing their 2024 defensive play-caller from their staff. A special teams coordinator position has opened up, and Sorensen has experience in that area. As for the higher-profile job, the team has been connected to Saleh, Ulbrich and Gus Bradley in the early stages of this search. The 49ers must interview one external minority candidate to satisfy the Rooney Rule; a Saleh meeting would qualify.
Cementing himself as a head coaching candidate during the 2021 cycle, Saleh did not fare well as the Jets’ HC. The team’s Zach Wilson investment had plenty to do with that, and the Jets quickly launched a turnaround on defense. After ranking last in Saleh’s 2021 debut season, the Jets rocketed to fourth in points and yards allowed in 2022. In 2023, New York’s defense finished third in yardage allowed and 12th in points. To be fair to Ulbrich, the unit again ranked third in total defense this season; it ranked 20th in scoring as the wheels came off post-Saleh.
Saleh, 45, was at the controls when the 49ers completed a remarkable ascent in 2019. After a 4-12 2018 season that netted the team Nick Bosa at No. 2 overall, San Francisco earned the NFC’s No. 1 seed and stampeded through the NFC playoffs before a Super Bowl LIV loss to the Chiefs. Saleh’s unit ranked fourth in scoring defense that year. Despite the 49ers losing Bosa early during an injury-plagued 2020 season — one that reminded of the team’s 2024 slate — Saleh’s troops remained a top-five total defense.
It will be interesting to see how fast the 49ers move on this, with Saleh presumably interested in hearing the Jaguars out about a return to a top job. Jacksonville is the only team thus far to request an HC interview with the recently fired Jets coach/current Packers consultant, so it is possible San Francisco will not need to wait too long for an answer.
Yes please.
This just further cements my belief that the 49ers will bounce back and make the playoffs next season.
That schedule looks like it’s also made out of butter!
Yep! Getting a 4th place schedule, getting healthy, getting a premier coaching staff back in place, adding the 11th pick… it’s looking good for SF next season.
Surprised he hasn’t been considered for more HC jobs
I’m sure he’ll get another opportunity down the road. First he has to wipe the Jets and AR off of him.
Optics matter. It’s hard to stand in front of your fans and tell them you’ve found the answer to their coach woes and it’s the guy the Jets fired during one of the most notable train wreck seasons in recent memory–even if that wasn’t largely Saleh’s fault. A year or two of rehabbing his resume in SF should have him right back out there, likely with a new Shanahan disciple OC in tow.
Optics should matter to the NYJ owner who fires his HC early in a promising season because he was embarrassed in England with his buddies there. But Salah would be wise to work under Shanahan again, good resume builder. I’d love him as my DC.
Bring him back asap, then trade up to get either Mason Graham or Abdul Carter. We need young pass rushers since the signing of Leonard Floyd turned out as mediocre. The meat of team is still intact contractually but Lynch needs to have a good offseason. No more reclamation projects. Take advantage of the 11th pick plus additional 3rd’s this year.
The 49ers fired Saleh when his defense allowed 390 points but now that his Jets defense allowed 404 points he’s apparently much better?
Umm … Saleh wasn’t fired from the 49ers.
Only 4 games against playoff teams next year, technically 3 teams because 2 of them are against the rams, healthier defense and Saleh returning with familiarity, don’t overthink it Lynch