Jets Coach Robert Saleh Gears Up for Reunion with Kyle Shanahan, 49ers

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — In a compelling story of rivalry and camaraderie, Robert Saleh and Kyle Shanahan prepare to face off on an impressive stage. These two coaches, who spent four years working together when Saleh was the defensive coordinator under Shanahan on the San Francisco 49ers, are set for a meeting in a high-stakes matchup as the Jets visit the Niners.

This encounter marks the first time these teams have met since Saleh departed from San Francisco in 2021 to become head coach of the New York Jets. The anticipation surrounding this game is palpable, particularly with the formidable Jets defense challenging one of the league’s most formidable offenses orchestrated by Shanahan.

Saleh expressed his admiration for Shanahan’s coaching style, noting his unique ability to adapt during games. “He’s unique in the sense that he can see it as it goes,” Saleh stated. “He’s got his game plan, and then he’s got the game that happens after the first quarter, where he’ll create plays on the sideline if he has to.” Saleh also acknowledged Shanahan’s talent for recognizing opportunities within the dynamics of a game, allowing him to make effective counterplays when necessary.

The roots of their partnership run deep, dating back nearly twenty years. The two first crossed paths when Shanahan joined the Houston Texans’ coaching staff as a receivers coach in 2006, while Saleh started as a defensive quality control coach. Their connection continued to grow over the years.

In 2010, Shanahan moved on to Washington, and then in 2017, when he secured his first head coaching role with the 49ers, he appointed Saleh as his defensive coordinator, marking a significant milestone in their professional relationship.

Reflecting on his time in San Francisco, Saleh expressed gratitude for the opportunities he received there. “It’s a special place, getting my first opportunity as a coordinator. I took over a not-so-great defense, and we were able to build that thing,” he remarked. He credited the Shanahan family and other key figures in the organization for their influence on his career. “I’m forever indebted to the Shanahan family,” he added.

The 49ers experienced a challenging start under Shanahan and Saleh, only winning ten games in their first two seasons as they focused on developing a solid roster featuring stars like Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, and George Kittle.

However, the team quickly transformed into one of the league’s top defensive units during Saleh’s final seasons in San Francisco. They narrowly missed capturing a Super Bowl title in the 2019 season against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs and continued to excel despite numerous injuries in 2020.

Saleh’s successful tenure led to his appointment as head coach of the Jets. His influence remains strong in San Francisco, indicating how deeply embedded his philosophy is within the team. With Saleh now leading the Jets, Shanahan has emphasized the desire for his current defense to return to the principles established under Saleh’s direction.

Star linebacker Fred Warner reflected on the profound impact Saleh had on his career, emphasizing the coach’s confidence in him. “I owe a lot to him,” Warner said, while jokingly adding his hopes that Saleh wouldn’t be too successful come game day.

Shanahan noted the intricate knowledge both coaches possess about each other’s playbooks, suggesting that trying to deceive one another would prove challenging. Therefore, execution and simplicity become critical for both teams. “Saleh is very sound in what he does. He’s not going to overthink it,” Shanahan explained. “So I’m not going to overthink it.”

In a light-hearted moment, Shanahan mentioned a quirky way to throw off Saleh during the game, wishing for the stadium staff to prevent him from getting any workouts in. Such humor highlights the friendly rivalry that exists within the competitive atmosphere of professional sports.