49ers Reunite with Robert Saleh as Defensive Coordinator

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers have hired Robert Saleh as their new defensive coordinator, marking a reunion with the coach who previously led their defense from 2017 to 2020. The announcement came Friday after a 16-day search following the departure of former coordinator Nick Sorensen.

Saleh, who most recently served as head coach of the New York Jets, returns to the 49ers after a four-year absence. The team parted ways with Sorensen on Jan. 8, with head coach Kyle Shanahan expressing a desire for an experienced coordinator who could adapt to challenges during games. “I want someone that meshes with what I believe in,” Shanahan said at the time. “But you’ve got to fit to come up with the best thing possible that fits our situation right now.”

The 49ers completed an interview with Saleh shortly after Sorensen’s departure. Saleh had also been considered for head coaching positions with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, and Dallas Cowboys, but those opportunities did not materialize. His return to San Francisco comes as the team seeks to revitalize a defense that ranked 29th in points allowed per game (25.6) and 31st in red zone efficiency (68.4%) during the 2024 season.

During his first stint with the 49ers, Saleh transformed the defense into one of the NFL’s elite units. From 2019 to 2020, the team ranked 10th in points allowed per game (21.9), third in defensive efficiency (63.15), and second in yards allowed per play (4.9). His success paved the way for his promotion to head coach of the Jets in 2021.

Shanahan emphasized the importance of finding a coordinator who could build on the foundation laid by Saleh and his successor, DeMeco Ryans, who led the defense from 2021 to 2022. “He’s a teacher, and he’s going to give you his thoughts,” Saleh said of Shanahan in March. “But the beauty with him is he’s not afraid to have those heated conversations to try to get across what he’s trying to get across.”

In addition to Saleh’s hiring, the 49ers announced Brant Boyer as their new special teams coordinator. Boyer, 53, joins the team after nine seasons with the New York Jets, where his units ranked among the league’s best in touchdowns, blocked punts, and kickoff return defense. His experience includes stints with the Indianapolis Colts and a playing career spanning 11 seasons as a linebacker and special teams contributor.

The 49ers hope these coaching changes will help them rebound from a disappointing 6-11 season and return to the playoff contention they enjoyed under Saleh and Ryans.