Many 49ers fans continue to speculate about Robert Saleh returning to San Francisco, particularly following his recent departure from the New York Jets. However, the truth is that Saleh is not coming back to the 49ers, whether as a defensive coordinator or in a consulting role. Despite any defensive struggles, blown leads, or future losses, the 49ers have placed their faith in Nick Sorensen and Brandon Staley to steer the defense through the remainder of the season. Even if performance issues arise, it’s unlikely the 49ers will make any sudden changes.
Had the San Francisco 49ers lost their substantial 20-point lead against the Seattle Seahawks recently, it’s easy to imagine fans clamoring for Kyle Shanahan to fire Sorensen and bring Saleh back. But despite the defense’s inconsistencies, particularly beyond some standout rookie performances, the 49ers managed to hold on and secure a win. While many believe Saleh’s return would improve things, the team is committed to their current defensive strategy, and any ideas of bringing back the former coordinator are far-fetched.
One of the main reasons Saleh isn’t coming back is simply that he’s taking a break. After being released by the Jets, Saleh has decided to sit out the rest of the 2024 season to prepare for future opportunities. 49ers General Manager John Lynch confirmed this, mentioning in a recent interview that Saleh is focusing on his family for now and planning to return to coaching next year. Additionally, Saleh is still under contract with the Jets, meaning he’s getting paid not to coach. Given this, it’s a perfect time for him to take a break rather than jump into a new role.
Moreover, bringing Saleh back could create a negative perception for the 49ers organization. The team has worked hard to maintain stability after years of coaching turnover, including back-to-back firings of Jim Tomsula and Chip Kelly. These rapid changes damaged the 49ers’ reputation as an unstable franchise, where coaches weren’t given enough time to succeed. Saleh’s return would risk reviving that image, and Kyle Shanahan’s success in maintaining continuity within his coaching staff stands in stark contrast to the earlier years of chaos.
Even if Saleh were to return, there’s no guarantee the defense would suddenly improve. Nick Sorensen, the current defensive coordinator, runs a similar system to what Saleh had in place during his time in San Francisco, though with his own unique touches. Simply bringing Saleh back would not magically fix the defense’s issues. Most of the players who thrived under Saleh’s leadership are no longer with the team, and those who remain would need time to adapt to his style once again. The chemistry Saleh had with the team in 2019 can’t be replicated overnight.
Finally, bringing Saleh back, even as a consultant, could disrupt the locker room’s dynamics. Introducing a new figure into the coaching staff midseason can have unforeseen consequences, especially when that figure comes with a powerful legacy like Saleh’s. The current coaching staff and players have built relationships with Sorensen and Staley, and sudden changes could upset that balance. Locker room chemistry is crucial to a team’s success, and making adjustments that could destabilize that unity would be risky, especially during an already challenging season.
In short, while some may long for Saleh’s return, it’s not happening. The 49ers are committed to their current defensive approach, and any sudden changes could create more problems than they solve.