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.

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.

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.

When Saleh left the 49ers for the Jets after the 2020 season, the 49ers knew linebackers coach DeMeco Ryans was going to step into that role and he did so with rousing success. He wound up only working as the 49ers’ DC for two years before landing the head coaching job with the Houston Texans.

Coach Kyle Shanahan has cycled through DeMeco Ryans, Steve Wilks and Nick Sorensen ... unusual when it comes to defensive coordinators. Robert Saleh (left) wasn’t shy about displaying emotion ...

The San Francisco 49ers are bringing back Robert Saleh for a second stint ... in four seasons for San Francisco. DeMeco Ryans, who replaced Saleh in 2021, left to become head coach in Houston ...

The San Francisco 49ers hired Robert Saleh for a second stint ... coordinator in four seasons for San Francisco. DeMeco Ryans, who replaced Saleh in 2021, left to become head coach in Houston ...

Tough decisions will have to be made by the San Francisco 49ers when free agency arrives. There are plenty of players they would like to have back but can't due

The 49ers have brought back Robert Saleh, fired as Jets head coach this season, in the defensive coordinator role he held for San Francisco from 2017-2021.

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.

Robert Saleh is heading back to San Francisco. Saleh and the San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a contract for him to return as the team's