The San Francisco 49ers were brimming with a healthy mix of optimism and determination as they returned to the practice field in Santa Clara for the start of organized team activities (OTAs) on Thursday.
Amidst the re-energized vibes, Robert Saleh’s voice — a familiar one — echoed louder than others as players partook in several light coverage drills. Saleh has returned to the organization for his second stint as Kyle Shanahan’s defensive coordinator, a position he previously held from 2017 to 2020. He departed in 2021 to become the head coach of the New York Jets, but after three underwhelming seasons and a 2-3 start to the 2024 campaign, he was relieved of his duties in October.
“It’s awesome to have Saleh back,” Shanahan said during his media availability on Thursday. “Everyone’s familiar with him here — a lot of us. It’s been good having him back. It’s nice hearing his voice in there.”
Saleh’s return comes with a fresh perspective, shaped by his experience as an NFL head coach. But Shanahan doesn’t expect him to change his beliefs or the way he acts, or even the manner in which he runs a defensive strategy that was well-regarded during his first stint with the club.
“Maybe he’s more understanding,” Shanahan said. “I don’t have to get on him as much now, because he knows.”
“It’s been good having him back. It’s nice hearing his voice in there. Things evolve all the time, and he’s still the same guy in what he believes in. It’s cool to hear how he’s evolved in his last few years.”
Kyle Shanahan says it’s great having Robert Saleh back with the 49ers pic.twitter.com/iEaAPawHiX
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) May 29, 2025
Linebacker Fred Warner played the first few years of his career under Saleh’s tutelage as defensive coordinator and is one of the few remaining members left from his initial stint. He’s notched three-straight Pro Bowl selections since Saleh left and could technically thrive in any defense, but the newly extended star sees nothing but positives in being reunited with his old coach.
“I can’t even speak enough to how much Coach Saleh has meant to our group, in the past and having him back now,” Warner said. “Just the calmness it brings to the players, especially me being here and knowing what it’s supposed to look like. It’s been great already — just in the short time he’s been back.”