Robert Saleh Already Trying to Convince 49ers Stud to Return for 2025
The San Francisco 49ers had a disappointing season in 2024, finishing with a 6-11 record and missing the postseason. The loss of Christian McCaffery and Brandon Aiyuk offensively played a huge role in the lackluster campaign, but all the attention is on the new campaign.
After the season came to an end, the 49ers fired defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen and brought back Robert Saleh to take over as the defensive coordinator. The 46-year-old was previously the 49ers DC from 2017-2020 and decided to return after being the New York Jets head coach and Green Bay Packers offensive consultant.
With free agency slated to go down in March, the 49ers are going to make some moves along their rosters. They have some contributors slated to hit the open market. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw is one of those guys.
Nick Bosa was down at the 2025 Pro Bowl Games and was speaking with reporters. During his interview, he discussed how Saleh would love to have Greenlaw back in San Francisco next season.
“[Greenlaw] is going to do what’s best for him, and he should do that at this point in his career. Obviously, we want him back. I know Saleh is very adamant about that.”
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Nick Bosa on Robert Saleh’s desire to keep Dre Greenlaw with #49ers
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49ers News: Robert Saleh Wants Dre Greenlaw Back
Bosa said, "[Greenlaw] is going to do what’s best for him, and he should do that at this point in his career. Obviously, we want him back. I know Saleh is very adamant about that."
It's been a tough couple of years for Greenlaw. He tore his Achilles in Super Bowl 58 against the Kansas City Chiefs. He was running onto the field in the second quarter before falling to the ground. He was sidelined for the majority of the 2024 season.
The 27-year-old fought his way back onto the field, playing in two games, but he landed on IR after suffering a calf injury. Even though he's going to be an unrestricted free agent, Saleh would be thrilled to have him back around.
Saleh coached Greenlaw from 2019-2020, and the Arkansas product was productive in that scheme. Over those two seasons, he had 178 total tackles, 10 TFLs, and two sacks.
Although Greenlaw has been hurt over the last two seasons, Saleh doesn't care. He would be pumped for Greenlaw to re-sign with the 49ers so they could re-spark that fire the defense had in 2020.
It remains to be seen what will happen, but Saleh is making his intentions clear.