The 49ers said their goodbyes to new Jets coach Robert Saleh on Saturday.
Saleh spent the past four seasons as the 49ers defensive coordinator, and he turned a San Francisco defense that was ranked dead last before he got there into a top-five unit. The Jets hired him to replace Adam Gase on Thursday and the 49ers issued statements Saturday.
“There is not much I haven’t already said about Robert’s abilities as a coach and as a leader,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “As a friend, I respect him greatly and could not be happier for him, Sanaa and their family. Robert helped to build a successful environment that has developed both players and coaches, and we are thankful for everything he brought to the 49ers these last four years. We wish him all the best.”
San Francisco general manager John Lynch echoed Shanahan.
“Robert is a great coach and an even better person,” Lynch said. “He’s a gifted leader who has earned the opportunity to direct a team in this League. His contributions to the 49ers over the last four years have helped us establish a culture and a standard that will continue to serve us well. We wish Robert, Sanaa and their entire family the best, and look forward to watching his future accomplishments.”