Fred Warner is among several San Francisco 49ers players in Orlando, Florida, this week for the Pro Bowl festivities. NBC Sports Bay Area caught up with the star linebacker for the first time since the team hired Robert Saleh to replace Nick Sorensen as defensive coordinator.

The San Francisco 49ers might have pulled off the coup of this year’s coaching cycle, bringing back Robert Saleh to coordinate their defense.

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner didn't hide his excitement for the return of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, but there were things he didn't say that illustrate what Saleh's return means for the 49ers' defense.

Saleh, who was fired in October as the New York Jets head coach five games into his fourth season, generated interest on the head-coaching front and was seen as one of the frontrunners for the Jacksonville Jaguars job. He also interviewed with the Las Vegas Raiders and Dallas Cowboys.

Robert Saleh cannot personally create turnovers, rush the passer or stop the run. His return as the 49ers’ D-coordinator is no guarantee of success.

Reunion: After interviewing for three head coaching jobs, Robert Saleh is now officially returning to the #49ers as defensive coordinator, per sources. Saleh impressed in interviews and now is back in a familiar place, with a chance to become a hot HC candidate again in 2026. pic.twitter.com/Jju2cu1qjj

It sounds like Robert Saleh is heading back to San Francisco. Matt Barrows, Michael Silver and Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic report that Saleh is expected to join the 49ers as their defensive coordinator.

The San Francisco 49ers have long established their strong defensive identity, and with Robert Saleh back at the helm

Robert Saleh, who ran the Niners' defense from 2017 to 2020, is heading back to San Francisco for the same role after a three-plus-year stint as Jets coach.

Greenlaw will be a free agent at the start of the new league year next month following a 2024 season that was essentially lost to the torn Achilles he suffered in Super Bowl 58 la

The San Francisco 49ers’ most important defensive players are excited for the return of Robert Saleh. Both linebacker Fred Warner and defensive lineman Nick Bosa were in Orlando, Florida, for the Pro Bowl.