Robert Saleh is breathing a sigh of relief as he steps away from the tumultuous role of head coach for the New York Jets, returning to his roots as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers.

In a candid press conference, Saleh expressed his gratitude for being free from the relentless administrative burdens that come with being a head coach. Not having to deal with all the administrative stuff is a blessing, he remarked, emphasizing his excitement to focus purely on coaching.

Reflecting on his return to the 49ers, where he previously thrived before his stint with the Jets, Saleh stated, It’s great to be back in a building where I had success and to gain a broader perspective. He mentioned the empathy he feels for current 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, indicating his eagerness to support him in any way possible.

Saleh, who struggled with a 20-36 record during his three-plus seasons with the Jets, felt a profound loyalty to the 49ers organization. From owner Jed York to Kyle and GM John Lynch, they invested in me during challenging times, Saleh shared. I owe them a lot for sticking with me.

During his initial seasons as the 49ers' defensive coordinator, Saleh's defense powered the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2020. In stark contrast, his Jets tenure was marred by struggles—particularly in developing quarterback Zach Wilson. The situation escalated dramatically when the team brought in Aaron Rodgers in hopes of turning things around, only for Rodgers to suffer a devastating Achilles injury in his first game.

Saleh’s time with the Jets was plagued by injuries and distractions, culminating in his firing after the team’s lackluster performance in London against Minnesota. Reflecting on these challenges, he said, There’s no manual for first-time head coaches or life itself. You learn a lot through every experience, especially the tough ones.

As he settles back into a role where he can concentrate on defensive strategies and player development, Saleh is embracing the chance for personal growth and reflection—an opportunity not often afforded in the whirlwind of head coaching.

With renewed focus and clarity, Robert Saleh is ready to revolutionize the 49ers' defense while leaving the Jets saga in the rearview mirror.