Robert Saleh's return as the defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers marks a significant moment for both him and the franchise. After a challenging four-year stint with the New York Jets, Saleh expressed deep gratitude towards the 49ers organization for standing by him during his formative years as a coordinator from 2017-2018. His prior success with the team, highlighted by a Super Bowl LIV appearance, set high expectations for his second tenure. Last year’s disappointing 6-11 finish underlined the need for a revitalized defense, with Saleh aiming to revive a unit that suffered in his absence, dropping from top rankings to below average in both yards and points allowed.

As Saleh prepares for the upcoming season, his focus remains on re-establishing defensive dominance and fostering resilience within the squad. His commitment is evident as he clearly stated his lack of interest in pursuing defensive coordinator roles elsewhere, reinforcing the bond he shares with the 49ers and his eagerness to contribute to their success once again.

San Francisco 49ers made a strategic move by hiring Robert Saleh as their defensive coordinator again, after losing several key defensive players in free agency. Despite these losses, the team retained stars like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, and began addressing their defensive needs by selecting Mykel Williams and Alfred Collins in the draft. This focused approach allowed the 49ers to replenish their defense effectively, spending their first five picks to target defensive talent. General Manager John Lynch's vision became evident as the team climbed in power rankings post-draft, showing promise for a stronger defense. With health and young talent, the 49ers aim to revitalize their defense and support the offense under head coach Kyle Shanahan, who is looking to regain the team's offensive edge lost in the previous season.

The San Francisco 49ers have made significant strides in bolstering their defense during the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting 11 players with a strong emphasis on defensive positions. This approach has led to notable shifts in player roles, particularly affecting key individuals on the roster.

Among the winners, Robert Saleh gains new talent on defense following the offseason departures of Charvarius Ward, Dre Greenlaw, and Talanoa Hufanga. Ricky Pearsall emerges as a key beneficiary of the Niners' decision to delay drafting a wide receiver until the fourth round, securing a more prominent role after Deebo Samuel's exit. Conversely, Brock Purdy faces challenges as the team neglected to enhance his offensive weapons and only added one offensive lineman, which may hinder his performance following a season of being sacked 31 times. Isaac Guerendo, the promising young running back, may see reduced opportunities with the drafting of Jordan James, likely limiting his snaps despite a strong rookie season.

The 2024 season was a disaster for the San Francisco 49ers, plagued by injuries to key players like Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel, who saw limited game time. The team's record dropped from 12-5 to a dismal 6-11, with multiple stars missing significant time. The offseason has brought significant changes, including the departure of several foundational players and the return of Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator. With numerous draft picks and pressing contract situations for Brock Purdy and George Kittle, the organization faces critical decisions as it prepares for the upcoming draft.

The San Francisco 49ers' approach in free agency has sparked discussions regarding their current standing in the NFL hierarchy. Despite limited activity, highlighted by the addition of wide receiver Demarcus Robinson and tight end Luke Farrell, the team's commitment to restructuring its finances is evident. ESPN's assessment places them at 15th in post-free agency power rankings, a modest two-spot decline. Notably, the return of Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator and the hiring of Gus Bradley as a defensive assistant are seen as potential pivots for the franchise.

Saleh's previous tenure showcased his capability, leading the New York Jets to impressive defensive metrics, including leading the league in passing yards allowed. Bradley's extensive experience further solidifies the 49ers' defensive prospects, especially following last year's struggles. As the 2025 NFL draft approaches, the 49ers are poised to address their defensive gaps, particularly in the interior line, and bolster their offense, which could dramatically enhance their Super Bowl aspirations.