The San Francisco 49ers are banking on Robert Saleh to revitalize a defense that struggled last season. Returning for his second stint as defensive coordinator with the team after serving as head coach of the New York Jets, Saleh replaces Nick Sorensen and becomes the 49ers' fourth defensive coordinator in as many years.
Of course, if Saleh does his job too well, head coach Kyle Shanahan knows there's a strong chance he could lose him again to a head coaching opportunity, just as he did in 2021.
That scenario would, at the very least, mean the 49ers' defense found success in 2025. Shanahan was patient in pursuing Saleh this offseason, passing on other candidates before ultimately reuniting with his former coordinator.
Speaking at the NFL's annual meeting in Florida this week, Shanahan acknowledged that if the 49ers' defense thrives under Saleh, other NFL teams could come calling, potentially creating yet another vacancy in 2026.
"You understand that's his ultimate goal, and that is for almost every coach," Shanahan said. "So, if we had a hell of a year and we lost Saleh to another team, I'd be happy for him, disappointed for us. But I think that would mean we were doing some pretty good things, too.
"So, that's something you've got to be prepared for in this league. We are at offense. We are in defense. You've got to be on special teams. And it's something everyone has got to deal with."
The 49ers may already have a contingency plan in place should Saleh leave for another head coaching job. The team hired Gus Bradley as an assistant—a logical candidate to step in as defensive coordinator if needed.
ESPN's Nick Wagoner recently labeled Bradley's hiring as an under-the-radar move that could pay off big for the 49ers.
"While adding Bradley didn't generate as many headlines, it's a move that could pay dividends in the short and long term," Wagoner wrote. "Bradley has 12 years experience as an NFL defensive coordinator and another four as a head coach.
"And, if Saleh has success and takes another head coaching job, Bradley would then become an obvious candidate to take over as coordinator in San Francisco or for Saleh wherever he might land."
For now, getting Saleh back in the building to helm the defense in 2025 is a move that already feels seamless for Shanahan and his staff.
"It feels like he never left," Shanahan admitted. "We've got so many people in our building that was here when Saleh was here last time. It's really great to have him back in the building."
