49ers' George Kittle Sends Warning to NFL Over Return of DC Robert Saleh
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The San Francisco 49ers got a major boost on their coaching staff, as former defensive coordinator Robert Saleh agreed to return to the team in the role. Saleh was the head coach for the New York Jets, but was unceremoniously fired after Week 6 in 2024.
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Despite not having major success with the Jets, Saleh remains one of the best defensive minds and one of the most well-respected coaches in the league. It was no surprise that the 49ers immediately jumped at the chance to welcome him back.
Saleh helped turn the 49ers' defense into a top 10 unit, and their rankings provided by ESPN through 2020 and 2021 showcased an elite unit.
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 15: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers talks to defensive co-ordinator Robert Saleh during the warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium...
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 15: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers talks to defensive co-ordinator Robert Saleh during the warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. MoreMore news: Texans to Sign Former Raiders First-Round Pick
"In 2019 and 2020 combined, the Niners ranked 10th in points allowed per game (21.9), third in defensive efficiency (63.15) and defensive expected points added (73.52), second in yards allowed per play (4.9), and tied for ninth with 47 takeaways."
Now, Saleh returns to help right the ship with the 49ers defense. This led to star tight end George Kittle sending a warning to the rest of the league.
George Kittle on DC Robert Saleh returning to 49ers:
"He's really good at his job, and I'm really excited that we somehow convinced him to be our defensive coordinator again. ... Violence is coming is what I would say." — Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) June 20, 2025
When Kittle was asked about the return of Saleh and what it means, he stated:
"He's really good at his job, and I'm really excited that we somehow convinced him to be our defensive coordinator again. ... Violence is coming is what I would say."
Violence is certainly an understatement, as the rankings that Saleh got out of that group are enough to worry the league, including the rest of the NFC West.
According to Fox Sports, the 49ers had a top 10 defensive unit in 2024. With Saleh, that number could easily jump to the top five.
The 49ers ended 2024 on a major slump, going 6-12, in what was clearly Super Bowl hangover from the previous year. Now, they have a chance to get back to playoff contention.
San Francisco will look vastly different in 2025. Saleh is back to coach, but the offense will be down Deebo Samuel, who was traded to the Washington Commanders.
The NFC West also got stronger with Sam Darnold coming over to the Seattle Seahawks, and Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams landing a huge get in Davante Adams.
The 49ers have their work cut out for them, but Saleh's defensive mind should help to create a far more balanced team again.
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