Robert Saleh and San Francisco 49ers would have reunited. He should be named defensive coordinator of the 49ers, The Athletic reports.
Saleh previously oversaw San Francisco’s defense from 2017 to 2020 until becoming the team’s head coach. New York Jets. He was fired by the Jets five games into last season with a 2-3 record after going 18-33 in the previous three seasons.
Saleh was going to speak with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the opening of their head coach. But he I have not traveled to Jacksonville when it became clear that the Jaguars were focused on hiring Liam Coen, offensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneeers, for the position, according to reports.
In 2019, Saleh’s third year as a DC, San Francisco had the second-best defense in the NFL, allowing an average of 281.8 total yards and 169.2 passing yards per game, and gave up the third-fewest of points in the NFC. In his final season with the 49ers, his defense ranked fifth in the NFL.
In addition to Saleh, the 49ers publicly disclosed two formal interviews for the defensive coordinator position. Those candidates were assistant head coach Brandon Staley (formerly head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers from 2021-2023) and Detroit Lions defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend.
