The San Francisco 49ers had to make some changes to the roster and coaching staff after a disappointing 2024 season.
San Francisco decided to fire Nick Sorensen before replacing him with a familiar face in Robert Saleh. After spending three and a half seasons with the New York Jets, Saleh returned to the Bay.
Even though fans, players, and members of the organization were happy to have him back, cornerback Deommodore Lenoir revealed a funny story and was a bit nervous to talk to his new coach.
In Week 1 of the 2024 season, the Jets and the 49ers played each other on Monday Night Football. Lenoir said he made a play in that game and yelled at the then-Jets head coach.
Lenoir said, "Me, initially, I was kind of nervous because I had just screamed at him when we played the Jets. I had made a play and I had screamed at him. I didn't know if he was going to remember that."
He was asked if Saleh brought it back up and Lenoir confirmed he did.
Lenoir added, "Yeah, he did. He brought it up in the first meeting. It was funny."
Deommodore Lenoir Was Nervous About Robert Saleh’s Return
Saleh was the 49ers' defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020 before leaving for New York in 2021. While Lenoir has been in SF for the past four years, he wasn't able to play under Saleh, but will get that opportunity in 2025.
In 62 games with San Francisco, he has 265 total tackles, 26 pass deflections, and six interceptions. He's one of the building blocks on that defense after landing a five-year, $92 million extension in 2024.
Even though he trash-talked his coach a year ago, that's in the past, and these guys are looking ahead to a highly anticipated 2025 season. Lenoir will play a big part for Saleh in this defense.
The 25-year-old called his new coach "a very energetic person," and is ready to turn things around this season.