Around the NFL

Robert Saleh hired as 49ers' defensive coordinator

Published: Feb 17, 2017 at 04:17 AM

Marc Sessler

The San Francisco 49ers have pinpointed a new defensive coordinator.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Monday that Robert Saleh will fill the position under new head coach Kyle Shanahan. Shanahan confirmed Saleh's hiring Friday on KNBR-AM in San Francisco.

Whispered about as a possible hire for Anthony Lynn's Chargers, Saleh now heads west from Jacksonville, where he spent the past three seasons as the Jaguars' linebackers coach. Prior to that stop, Saleh worked for the Seahawks from 2011 to 2013 as Seattle's defensive quality control aide.

Shanahan knows Saleh from their shared time together in Houston, where the latter began as a defensive intern in 2005 before working as a defensive quality control coach (2006 to 2008) and assistant linebackers assistant from 2009 to 2010.

Saleh has his work cut out for him in San Francisco. Beyond an on-the-mend NaVorro Bowman, safety Eric Reid and defensive ends DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead, the Niners offer a paper-thin roster that finished last in the league in yardage and points allowed.

The honeymoon period won't last long if that kind of play continues by the Bay.

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