After three seasons as the head coach of the New York Jets, the San Francisco 49ers announced on Friday that Robert Saleh will return as the defensive coordinator.
The 49ers parted ways with their former defensive coordinator, Nick Sorensen, this past season after the team finished a horrendous 29th in the league in points allowed per game.
This is the same 49ers defense that ranked in the top 10 in five of the past six seasons and was a top-five defense in four consecutive seasons. That includes last season under Steve Wilks, who lost his job at the end of the season. This move reflects the high standards the 49ers defense has set in recent years.
As a result, this past season was an absolute embarrassment on that side of the ball.
A Revolving Door at Defensive Coordinator
In the 2022-23 season, the defense under Wilks had its ups and downs.
The 49ers struggled to contain opposing offenses in some games but also played lights-out defense at other times. However, given the high expectations for a defense that had been dominant in previous years, the inconsistencies were too much for head coach Kyle Shanahan to overlook.
Wilks also implemented a different scheme, deviating from the traditional 4-3 defense that Robert Saleh and DeMeco Ryans had successfully used. Instead, he introduced a 3-4 defense emphasizing secondary play through numerous blitzes and complex coverages. The 49ers struggled to adapt to Wilks’ scheme, forcing him to adjust throughout the season.
Midway through the year, he moved from the coaching booth to the sideline. The defense performed well in the Super Bowl, but the team still lost. Shanahan refused to let recency bias influence his decision. He ultimately fired Wilks, opting to return to a familiar system.
Seeking to replicate the success of the Saleh and Ryans years, Shanahan promoted Sorensen, a defensive staff member since 2022. Despite using the same defensive scheme from past successful seasons, Sorensen was not ready to lead. The 49ers struggled to adapt, failed to close out games, and made costly play-calling mistakes. Their inability to get stops in key moments led to a ranking as the fourth-worst team in points allowed.
Shanahan’s plan to restore the previous defensive philosophy did not work. Unlike Demeco Ryans’ promotion after Saleh left for the Jets, Sorensen’s inexperience showed.
With no choice but to move on, the 49ers fired him. He is now expected to become the Dallas Cowboys’ special teams coordinator.
The 49ers Need More Than a Coordinator— They Need a Defensive Leader
The 49ers needed more than just a defensive coordinator— they needed a defensive head coach.
The team thrives when there are clear leaders for both the offense and the defense, and Robert Saleh fits that mold perfectly. His leadership, energy, and composure in crucial moments make him an ideal fit for a 49ers defense that needs resurgence.
The 49ers’ defensive stars respect Saleh and will appreciate his return to the simple 4-3 scheme that brought them so much success under his previous tenure. Most importantly, Saleh’s presence will instill confidence in the defense. The players will trust his play-calling, which will elevate their performance on the field.
Saleh is known for maximizing the potential of young defensive players. This bodes well for rookies like Malik Mustapha and Renardo Green. Both showed promise this past season.
Addressing Defensive Weaknesses
While Saleh’s return is a major boost, there are still personnel weaknesses the 49ers must address.
Several key players missed time due to injuries, and as they make their way back, their presence will be beneficial. However, the team must improve at key positions to regain its defensive dominance.
One area that needs attention is the safety position, particularly in coverage. The 49ers must bring in a safety who excels in coverage to complement Talanoa Hufanga and Mustapha. Additionally, the pass rush struggled to generate consistent pressure when Javon Hargrave was sidelined, highlighting the need for reinforcement in that area.
Linebacker depth is another concern. With Dre Greenlaw missing most of the season, the 49ers struggled at the position. If the team cannot retain him, acquiring one or two additional linebackers to play alongside Fred Warner will be essential. De’Vondre Campbell, who was a major liability last season, is not returning, making it even more critical to solidify the position.
Robert Saleh’s Return Brings Renewed Hope
Saleh’s return injects new life into the 49ers defense.
The road ahead won’t be easy. There are still weaknesses in personnel. However, Robert Saleh’s leadership and defensive philosophy provide a clear path back to elite play. With the right roster adjustments, the 49ers can regain their status as one of the league’s best defenses under his guidance.
Leave a comment