Saleh was an unexpected hire because many felt that Shanahan, who was entering his first season as a head coach, could benefit from an experienced coordinator managing his defense. Saleh spent the previous three seasons as the linebackers coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Saleh was confident he was the man for the job. Whatever he said to Shanahan and the 49ers during his interview must have impressed because with two games remaining in the 2017 season, it looks like Saleh is here to stay.
Upon Saleh's hiring, there was some talk that he may merely be a placeholder until someone like Fangio became available. Of course, most of that discussion died down when it was announced that the 49ers would be installing a defense very different from Chicago's.
San Francisco has already started to put players in place that fit Saleh's scheme, so changing things up now would not make much sense. At this point, continuity is far more critical and the 49ers defense has made great strides over the course of the season.
"I think Robert has done a great job," Shanahan told Matt Maiocco. "It's his first year as a coordinator, and I know he's waited for this time for a while. He's been everything I hoped for and more. He's very smart with how he's run our scheme. I've been excited with our scheme.
"He's really worked through a lot of things this year with moving people around with the injuries we've had and trying to find the best spots for guys. I think it's not a coincidence this last month or so we've had the most consistent play with the same people out there. If you look through our first 10 weeks, it seemed like a new lineup almost every week.
"And the more guys can play together, the more you can run the same coverages, the same fronts, the same blitzes every week-in and week-out, and that's when you can start improving."
Shanahan was asked if Saleh would return to the same role with the 49ers next season.
VIDEO: Is Kyle Shanahan happy with the 49ers' defense under Robert Saleh? (via @MaioccoNBCS) #49ersOnNBCS #NFL pic.twitter.com/dImHwJI0V2
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) December 23, 2017
The topics of the 49ers defense, Saleh, and his future were discussed by Al Sacco and Zain Naqvi during the latest "No Huddle" podcast, which you can listen to below.
Shanahan discussed what the 49ers could learn from the Jaguars, who run a similar defense and are ranked first in points allowed and against the pass. He also shared what it will take for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to find success against the talented defense.
VIDEO: Kyle Shanahan addresses lessons #49ers can learn from #Jaguars (via @MaioccoNBCS) #49ersOnNBCS #NFL pic.twitter.com/kPxT6dlk0r
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) December 23, 2017
Shanahan evaluated the rookie seasons of first-round selections Solomon Thomas and Reuben Foster.
VIDEO: Kyle Shanahan evaluates rookie seasons for Solomon Thomas and Reuben Foster (via @MaioccoNBCS) #49ersOnNBCS #NFL pic.twitter.com/Z4L26E55FX
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) December 23, 2017
Finally, Shanahan describes the emotions heading into the 49ers' final home game of the season and what the Levi's Stadium crowd does for the team.
VIDEO: Kyle Shanahan describes emotions heading into 49ers' home finale (via @MaioccoNBCS) #49ersOnNBCS #NFL pic.twitter.com/xFUzjMjDyK
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) December 23, 2017
All videos courtesy of @NBCS49ers on Twitter.