Welcome back, Robert Saleh. According to league sources briefed on the coaching search, the San Francisco 49ers are expected to land the top target of their defensive coordinator search, the man who in 2017 established the system the 49ers have run ever since.

Just two seasons after the 49ers were ninth-worst in the NFL in yards allowed per game (351.6), they ranked second (281.8) in the same category as they won the NFC crown. Saleh parlayed his defensive prowess into the Jets head coaching job in 2021, but the same success did not follow.

Robert Saleh could be heading back to San Francisco. According to Matt Barrows, Michael Silver and Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, Saleh is "expected"

Robert Saleh has already had several head coaching interviews during this NFL hiring cycle. Back in October, Saleh was fired by the New York Jets after a 2-3 start, ending his three-plus year tenure with the team.

It seems the 49ers will land their top choice for defensive coordinator after all. Robert Saleh is expected to return to the 49ers as their defensive coordinator if he doesn't become a head coach according to The Athletic and NBC Sports Bay Area.