Analyst Anticipates 49ers Return to Postseason originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The biggest offseason move for the San Francisco 49ers this offseason didn’t involve a player, but rather the return of former defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
Saleh had moderate success from 2017-2018 as the defensive coordinator before 2019 brought defensive dominance to San Francisco and helped the team to a Super Bowl LIV appearance.
He then left to be the head coach of the New York Jets but returns in 2025, where he considers himself back home.
“I’m indebted to this organization, to those men for the rest of my life,” Saleh said. “They stuck with me and we made it happen. We did what we needed to do and the rest is history and I’m excited about the opportunity to get a chance to do it again with them.”
The 49ers were quiet in free agency, but landed a stout draft class that includes first-round pick Mykel Williams.
But Saleh is the biggest reason why David Helman of FOX Sports believes the team will make a return to the playoffs in 2025 after a season away in 2024.
“I think we’re all writing the 49ers off a bit early,” Helman said. “There’s been some attrition in the Bay Area, and this is no longer the Infinity Gauntlet roster from 2022. It’s still a quality roster, so long as the veterans can stay healthy. That is a gamble, to be fair, but it’s one I’m willing to make. It feels a little less risky when you look at San Francisco’s schedule.
“By virtue of finishing fourth in the NFC West last year, the Niners are facing about as forgiving a slate as you could hope to see. They only play four games against 2024 playoff teams — two games against the division rival Rams, along with road trips to Tampa Bay and Houston. They also play a whopping seven games against teams that drafted in the top 10 this spring. There are no guarantees, but I think a bounce back is coming.”
Saleh could be the difference maker.
In his last season in the City by the Bay, his defense ranked No. 2 in yards allowed and No. 8 in points allowed, and the unit took a hit when he left. The 49ers were No. 8 in yards allowed and ranked No. 27 in the league in points allowed.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.