Saleh 'Needed Therapy' In Move From Jets to 49ers

Robert Saleh is rejoining the San Francisco 49ers as defensive coordinator after leaving to become the head coach of the New York Jets in 2021. Saleh’s time in New York was rough to say the least—finishing with an overall record of 20-36 through just over three seasons.

Lessons learned?

Saleh appreciates the educational experience as a head coach and is looking forward to getting back to his bread and butter which is coordinating exceptional defenses. Although San Francisco is a completely different team from Saleh’s first stint with the organization, he plans to build another Super Bowl caliber unit.

"Obviously, I've gone through the head coaching stuff and you learn a lot going through that," he said, via the team's official transcript. "But I'm happy to be back in this chair where I get to coach a little bit more football and not deal with all the administrative stuff that comes with being a head coach. The perspective, I guess, especially, and that's what was exciting about coming back. Just being in a building where I was once a coordinator and now having head coaching experience, to have that global view.”

Ah, but what he went through by getting dropped by the Jets and then joining the Packers as a consultant in Green Bay under pal Matt LaFleur.

'Yeah, you know I joke with Matt, I think it was more therapy for me than I was a help for him,' Saleh said.

But now?

Saleh has a shiny new toy to play with in first-round edge Mykel Williams. Known for getting the most out of younger players, Saleh will develop packages for Williams to thrive opposite of former All-Pro defensive end Nick Bosa.

However, let's pump the brakes a little here.

Don’t expect the 49ers defense to be world beaters next season. Losing players like Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, Charvarius Ward, and Leonard Floyd will certainly make things difficult for Saleh.

The Niners can find comfort in precedent—if you give Saleh two years, he will give you a dominant defensive unit.