Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh is reportedly expected to return to the San Francisco 49ers as their defensive coordinator in 2025, a position he previously held for four seasons, league sources briefed on the situation confirmed to the Athletic Thursday (January 24) night.

Saleh, 45, who was fired by the Jets five games into the 2024 season, which he finished as a consultant to Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, was reportedly set to participate in a second interview for the Jacksonville Jaguars' head coaching position, but canceled amid reports that the team was now reportedly expected to go to Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen. Saleh was also reported to be in consideration for the Las Vegas Raiders and Dallas Cowboys' head coaching gigs.

Saleh was credited for rebuilding the Niners' defense during his first stint as defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020, which included making a Super Bowl appearance following the 2019 season, improving from the ninth-worst defense in the NFL with 351.6 yards allowed per game to the second-best with 281.8 yards allowed per game in just two seasons. The 45-year-old went 20-36 during his tenure as the Jets' head coach, which included a 2-3 start to the 2024 season before his abrupt firing in October.

Garret Lewis