The San Francisco 49ers welcomed back a familiar face, re-hiring Robert Saleh as their defensive coordinator. However, one former player who once thrived under Saleh’s leadership will have to watch from across the country as the reunion unfolds.

Robert Saleh cannot personally create turnovers, rush the passer or stop the run. His return as the 49ers’ D-coordinator is no guarantee of success.

Robert Saleh wasted little time after being fired from the New York Jets last fall amid a poor showing throughout the season. He quickly began working with the Green Bay Packers' defense following his dismissal, and now the Super Bowl -winning coach is back with his former employer.

The San Francisco 49ers have long established their strong defensive identity, and with Robert Saleh back at the helm

Now that the San Francisco 49ers have hired Robert Saleh, some believe he'll bring a key defensive player from the New York Jets with him.

Robert Saleh didn’t get the job he wanted, but the job he accepted could lead to a gig he desires next year. Saleh rejoined the San Francisco 49ers as their defensive coordinator Friday and the announcement was made shortly after the last of the three head-coaching openings for which he was a candidate was filled.

The San Francisco 49ers' prospects on defense for the 2025 season already seem a fair bit brighter following the return of Robert Saleh of coordinator, but it will take several reinforcements on the personnel side for this group to return to the ranks of the best in the NFL next season.

Some free agency signings work well, while others flop. The San Francisco 49ers may be ready to admit one of their recent moves was a mistake.

Following his dismissal as head coach of the New York Jets, Robert Saleh has wasted no time finding his next opportunity in the NFL. The former Jets leader has returned to the San Francisco 49ers, where he previously thrived as defensive coordinator.