Head coach Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers confirmed the move via a press release.
Saleh, 45, interviewed for head coaching positions with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, and Dallas Cowboys. Along with considering Saleh, the 49ers also interviewed Detroit Lions defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend for their defensive coordinator position. Additionally, they considered 49ers assistant head coach Brandon Staley.
Saleh began his NFL coaching career in 2005 with the Houston Texans. Initially serving as a defensive intern, he later advanced to roles as the defensive quality control coach and assistant linebackers coach. Saleh joined the Seattle Seahawks as a defensive quality control coach from 2011 to 2013, contributing to their dominant defense.
From 2014 to 2016, Saleh served as the linebackers coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars. In 2017, he joined Shanahan's 49ers staff, serving as the team's defensive coordinator. Over four seasons with the 49ers, Saleh played a pivotal role in building one of the NFL's top defenses. His efforts were instrumental in the 49ers' journey to Super Bowl LIV during the 2019 season.
The Jets hired Saleh as their head coach in 2021, but after a disappointing 2-3 start to the 2024 season, the team fired him on October 8. Saleh joined the Green Bay Packers as an offensive consultant for the remainder of the season.
Shanahan hopes to reignite past success by reuniting with Saleh, bringing his leadership and defensive expertise back to the 49ers.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak shares updates ahead of 49ers-Titans preseason game
San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak spoke with reporters after Monday's training camp practice as the team gears up for its preseason game against the Tennessee Titans. Here's everything he had to say. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers... -
49ers coach reveals why defensive versatility is a major training camp focus
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is learning a lot about his players during training camp, and part of that evaluation involves experimenting with their versatility. The 49ers selected linebacker Jaden Dugger in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and... -
49ers roster moves: Receiver, edge rusher added, two defensive linemen waived
The San Francisco 49ers have signed wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge and edge rusher Ogbo Okoronkwo to one-year deals. Both additions were previously reported by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. To make room on the roster, the team waived defensive lineman Kevin Givens and defensive lineman... -
49ers urged to move on from former fourth-round draft pick
The San Francisco 49ers opened their preseason against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday night, and wide receiver Jacob Cowing exited the game with an oblique injury after not recording any offensive statistics. Bleacher Report writer Moe Moton believes it's time for the 49ers...