Saleh's second stint with the 49ers lasted just the 2025 season. He began his NFL coaching career in 2005 as an intern with the Houston Texans, then moved up the ranks to quality control coach (2006–2008) and linebackers coach (2009–2010).
From 2011 to 2013, Saleh served on the Seattle Seahawks' coaching staff as a defensive quality control coach, playing a role in their Super Bowl XLVIII championship season.
He then spent three seasons (2014–2016) as the Jacksonville Jaguars' linebackers coach before joining 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan's staff in 2017. As San Francisco's defensive coordinator for four seasons, Saleh helped guide the team to a Super Bowl LIV appearance in 2019.
In 2021, Saleh became the head coach of the New York Jets but was dismissed in 2024, paving the way for his return to San Francisco as defensive coordinator.
The 49ers will not receive any compensatory draft picks for the loss of Saleh this time around. Minority candidates must have been with a team for at least two seasons to qualify.
Saleh succeeds Brian Callahan—and interim coach Mike McCoy—in Tennessee, earning the job over candidates such as Matt Nagy.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers coordinator couldn't hide excitement after defense picks off Brock Purdy
Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, new San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris couldn't resist boasting about his defense intercepting quarterback Brock Purdy during practice. The media had only two opportunities to observe organized team activities (OTAs),... -
49ers coordinator says Fred Warner is unlike any star he's coached
The San Francisco 49ers felt the absence of Fred Warner last season. The star linebacker suffered a dislocated and fractured right ankle in Week 6, sidelining him for the remainder of the campaign. Now healthy, Warner is preparing to rejoin his teammates on the field. Like... -
49ers announce key front office promotions and hires
The San Francisco 49ers officially announced that Nathan Biehl, Grant Bordelon, Ryan Carter, Brad Clark, Casey Filkins, Jordan Fox, Michael Gonzalez, Austin Moss II, and Jeff Weidemeyer have been promoted to new roles within the organization. The team has also officially... -
49ers announce running back roster moves
The San Francisco 49ers have signed running back Sincere McCormick to a one-year deal. To make room on the roster, the team waived running back Jordan Mims. The 49ers Communications staff provided the following rundown. McCormick (5-8, 204) originally entered the NFL after...