The San Francisco 49ers are welcoming back a familiar face. Robert Saleh is returning to be their defensive coordinator.
Saleh previously was their defensive coordinator from 2017-2020 before leaving to become the head coach of the New York Jets. After going 20-36 in three-plus seasons, he was fired in October.
The Niners have gone through three defensive coordinator since Saleh left.
DeMeco Ryans replaced Saleh and lasted two years before he went on to become the head coach of the Houston Texans. After that, Steve Wilks was fired after one season and then was the guy last season before being dismissed.
In four seasons as the Niners’ defensive coordinator, they finished 16th in total defense twice and then third and fifth before becoming the Jets’ head coach.
While Saleh was defensive coordinator, the Cardinals went 5-3 against the 49ers.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
