Robert Saleh


Robert Saleh is an American football coach who is the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. He previously has served as an assistant coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Seattle Seahawks and Houston Texans.

Early years

Saleh was born in Dearborn, Michigan to Lebanese immigrants and is a 1997 graduate of Fordson High School. He attended Northern Michigan University from 1998 to 2002, where he earned a degree in finance and was a four-year starter, earning all-conference honors as a tight end.

Coaching career

College

Saleh began his coaching career at the collegiate level in 2002. He spent four years working as a defensive assistant with Michigan State University, Central Michigan University and the University of Georgia.

Houston Texans

In 2005, Saleh was hired as an intern with the Houston Texans, working with the defensive unit. In February 2006, he was retained in Gary Kubiak's staff as a defensive quality control coach under defensive coordinator Richard Smith. In January 2009, he was promoted to assistant linebackers coach.

Seattle Seahawks

In February 2011, Saleh was hired as the defensive quality control coach for the Seattle Seahawks under Pete Carroll. He spent three seasons with the Seahawks, including their 2013 championship season when they defeated the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Following the Seahawks' championship, Saleh was named linebackers coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars under head coach Gus Bradley.

San Francisco 49ers

On February 13, 2017, Saleh was named defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers under head coach Kyle Shanahan.
During the 2019 season, the 49ers defense was sixth in the league in forced turnovers, second in total defense, first in passing defense, and fourth in sacks. This was the first time since 2003 that the 49ers finished in the top 10 in both scoring and yards per game. Saleh helped lead the team to a 13-3 record and a Super Bowl LIV berth, where they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Personal life

Saleh and his wife, Sanaa, have six children, four sons, and two daughters.