The San Francisco 49ers search for a defensive coordinator continued with a familiar face.
The team announced on Thursday they have completed an interview with former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh for the vacant defensive coordinator position.
Saleh has deep roots in The Bay, serving as San Francisco’s defensive coordinator for four seasons (2017-20). He departed following the end of the 2020 season for his first head coaching opportunity with the Jets. He remained with New York for the better part of three seasons before the organization parted ways with him five games into 2024.
During Saleh’s four seasons as the 49ers defensive coordinator, he led San Francisco’s defensive unit to two top-five finishes in total defense (2019-20). In 2019, San Francisco’s defensive unit was second-overall in total defense (281.8 yards per game), forced turnovers (27), first in passing defense (169.2 yards per game), and fourth in sacks (48.0).
Saleh began his coaching career as an intern with the Houston Texans in 2005 and had additional coaching stints with the Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, 49ers, Jets and Green Bay Packers.