49ers Launch 2025 Campaign: Robert Saleh’s Return Marks New Era for Struggling Defence
New Chapter Begins for San Francisco
The San Francisco 49ers have entered their 76th NFL season, looking to improve upon their disappointing 6-11 record from last year and make their return to the playoffs after a one-year absence.
A significant change comes with the return of Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator, who rejoins the team after spending three seasons as the New York Jets’ head coach. Saleh, who previously coordinated the 49ers’ defense from 2017 to 2020, replaces Nick Sorensen following his dismissal after just one season.
Roster Transformations and Early Success
The 2025 offseason brought significant changes, with notable departures including linebacker Dre Greenlaw, guard Aaron Banks, safety Talanoa Hufanga, and cornerback Charvarius Ward. Despite these losses, the team still boasts dominant players like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, while integrating new talent including three rookie starters: defensive tackle Alfred Collins, linebacker Nick Martin, and No. 11 overall pick Mykel Williams.
The 49ers have already shown promise, opening their 2025 season with a 17-13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
Looking Ahead
The team’s schedule appears favorable, as they don’t face any 2024 playoff teams in the final eight weeks of the upcoming season. However, challenges remain, particularly on defense, where the team has seen some decline – while they ranked fifth in yards allowed under Saleh’s previous tenure in 2020, they finished 2024 ranked eighth in yards but 29th in points conceded.
Despite the youth movement, analysts believe the 49ers still possess enough top-tier talent to make another postseason run, with six rookies on defense expected to play significant roles beginning Week 1. The team is emphasizing mentorship, with veterans Kyle Juszczyk and Christian McCaffrey taking leadership roles to prepare first-year players for early contributions.
