Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers offensive consultant Robert Saleh on the sidelines during warmups against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

George Kittle Issues Warning After 49ers Coach’s Return

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Rex Villas | Last updated Jun 21, 2025 2:06 AM ET

After three-plus seasons as head coach of the New York Jets and a short stint with the Green Bay Packers in a consultancy role, Robert Saleh is back with the San Francisco 49ers.

The Niners reunited with Saleh in January, as he relishes the role of the defensive coordinator for the NFC West team again.

Saleh was the 49ers’ defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020 before taking his coaching talents to New York.

Although the Jets did not truly prosper under Saleh, their total defense was inside the top five in the NFL in three of his seasons with them, per Pro Football Reference.

Kittle gives his approval for Saleh’s return to San Francisco 49ers

Oct 6, 2024; London, United Kingdom; New York Jets coach Robert Saleh reacts against the Minnesota Vikings in the first half at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

With Saleh back in town, 49ers star tight end George Kittle has zero doubt that San Francisco’s defense is in a very much capable hands following the 2024 NFL season, where the 49ers allowed 25.6 points per game – 29th in the league.

“Violence is coming is what I would say,” Kittle said of Saleh’s return to Santa Clara, per The Rich Eisen Show (h/t Ken Patra of NFL.com).

“He’s really good at his job, and I’m really excited that we somehow convinced him to be our defensive coordinator again,” Kittle added. “He knows what he’s talking about, he’s inspiring, he gets the boys fired up, and he just happens to also be really, really smart. So, I’m pumped to have him back in the building, just hanging out with him a little bit, talking about stuff. You can just tell he’s ready to roll this year, and he’s gonna get the boys fired up.”

Saleh is taking over San Francisco’s stop unit that suffered some turnover in the offseason. Gone are the likes of Dre Greenlaw, Charvarius Ward, Talanoa Hufanga, Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins and Leonard Floyd, but Saleh still has some great talents to work with in 2025, including his former Jets player, Bryce Huff, who just won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (left) with tight end George Kittle (85) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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