In response, the 49ers made a significant change. They parted ways with defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen and brought back Robert Saleh to fill the role. Saleh previously served as the team's defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020, during which he built one of the NFL's most physically dominant units.
RELATED
Now, the 49ers are hoping that Saleh can bring that same fire and intensity back in 2025.
George Kittle on Saleh's return: "Violence is coming"
No one seems more excited about Saleh's return than tight end George Kittle, who was around during the coach's first stint in San Francisco. Kittle recently joined The Rich Eisen Show, where he emphasized just how impactful Saleh's presence already feels within the building.
"That might be the underlying headline for the Niners, that Saleh's back in the building," Kittle recently said on The Rich Eisen Show. "He's really good at his job, and I'm really excited that we somehow convinced him to be our defensive coordinator again, because he knows what he's talking about, he's inspiring, he gets the boys fired up, and he just happens to also be really, really smart.
"So, I'm pumped to have him back in the building, just hanging out with him a little bit, talking about stuff. You can just tell he's ready to roll this year, and he's gonna get the boys fired up."
If that wasn't enough of a warning to the rest of the league, Kittle made his message unmistakably clear, adding, "Violence is coming, is what I would say."
Saleh's second act in San Francisco
Saleh left the 49ers in 2021 to become the head coach of the New York Jets, but his tenure ended early last season after a 2-3 start. As he awaits his next head coaching opportunity, Saleh is focused on rebuilding a 49ers defense that underperformed in 2024.
While the defense lost several key contributors in March, San Francisco's front office has provided Saleh with reinforcements. The team used six of its 11 draft picks this year on defensive players, including its first five selections.
With new talent, an aggressive mindset, and a proven leader at the helm of the new-look defense, the 49ers are hoping to return to their trademark identity of physical and violent play.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Robert Saleh 'completely focused' on Eagles amid head coaching interest
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is drawing significant interest in the NFL head coaching market. Still, he insists his attention remains squarely on Sunday's NFC Wild Card matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. So far, three teams—the Arizona... -
Cardinals request interview with 49ers' Robert Saleh for head-coaching job
According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the Arizona Cardinals have requested permission to interview San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh for their head-coaching vacancy. Arizona fired Jonathan Gannon following the team's third straight losing... -
Titans, Falcons request interviews with 49ers' Robert Saleh for head coach openings
The list of teams interested in San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh continues to grow. According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, both the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons have formally requested interviews with Saleh for their head coaching... -
49ers' Robert Saleh linked to Titans in head coaching search
The Arizona Cardinals have already requested permission to interview San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh for their head coaching vacancy, and they are unlikely to be the only team pursuing the 49ers assistant during this hiring cycle. According to ESPN's...