Saleh officially returns as 49ers’ defensive coordinator

Robert Saleh is heading back to the spot where he enjoyed his most success as an NFL coach.The 49ers on Friday officially announced the hiring of Saleh, 45, as defensive coordinator to fill the key spot on Kyle Shanahan's coach staff that remained vacant for more than two weeks. The 49ers have hired Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator, source says. Coach Kyle Shanahan got his top choice to replace Nick Sorensen. — Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) January 25, 2025A source told NBC Sports Bay Area on Thursday that Saleh was expected to return to the 49ers unless he got a head-coaching job. But with the Jacksonville Jaguars hiring Liam Coen, the Las Vegas Raiders reportedly tabbing Pete Carroll and the Dallas Cowboys reportedly picking Brian Schottenheimer as their next head coach, the best option for Saleh was to rejoin San Francisco.Shanahan informed Nick Sorensen on Jan. 7 that he would not return for a second season as defensive coordinator. The 49ers hoped to retain Sorensen on the coaching staff in a different role, but that isn't happening, a source told NBC Sports Bay Area.The 49ers will stick with their familiar defensive scheme, though earlier this month Shanahan expressed...