49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh couldn't say enough about how great of a leader Kyle Shanahan is.

That is why Saleh accepted the 49ers’ offer to return to the organization nearly four months ago as defensive coordinator. He held that same role on Kyle Shanahan's staff from 2017 to 2020.

Robert Saleh is back in as defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers and former players are confident in his return.

May 9, 2025; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, right, confers with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh during the teamís rookie minicamp. Mandatory Credit: D ...

Robert Saleh, who went 20-36 over three-plus seasons with the Jets before being fired after a 2-3 start last season, said there was no temptation to go anywhere but return to San Francisco.

For four seasons, Robert Saleh was the 49ers’ defensive coordinator under head coach Kyle Shanahan.

During the Kyle Shanahan era, the San Francisco 49ers have had two one-and-done defensive coordinators. Robert Saleh is grateful he’s not one of those defensive coordinators.

While assistants handled pit-crew duty of shuttling personnel in and out, Saleh often observed from afar, sometimes next to coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch.

Jun 10, 2025; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan (right) and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh confer during an OTA at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross ...

For four seasons, Robert Saleh was the 49ers’ defensive coordinator under head coach Kyle Shanahan. After middling results from 2017-2018, Saleh coached a dominant unit in 2019 that helped San ...