The San Francisco 49ers are bringing back Robert Saleh for a second stint as defensive coordinator after a failed tenure as head coach of the New York Jets, a person familiar with the choice told The Associated Press.

The San Francisco 49ers have long established their strong defensive identity, and with Robert Saleh back at the helm

Robert Saleh is returning to the 49ers. The ex-Jets coach will be the defensive coordinator for San Francisco again.

Robert Saleh, who was fired by the Jets during the season, was hired by the 49ers for second stint as the team’s defensive coordinator on Friday night.

The San Francisco 49ers got their man as Robert Saleh is head back to the Bay Area for a second stint as defensive coordinator.

Robert Saleh, who coordinated the Niners' defense from 2017-20, is heading back to San Francisco for the same role following a three-plus-year stint as Jets head coach, a source told ESPN.

Saleh had interviewed for three head coaching positions but had committed to head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch that, should be not get another head coaching job, he would return to San Francisco as defensive coordinator,

Saleh was fired midway through this past season in New York, but the Jets had a strong defense under his tenure.

Robert Saleh cannot personally create turnovers, rush the passer or stop the run. His return as the 49ers’ D-coordinator is no guarantee of success.

Saleh was fired as the Jets’ coach five games into this season and is now back with the 49ers, where he made his name in the NFL.

As Robert Saleh brings in his own assistant coaches, the San Francisco 49ers are forced to say goodbye to part of their current staff.