The San Francisco 49ers added a defensive assistant to the staff on Friday morning. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported the Niners are hiring long-time defensive coordinator Gus Bradley to the staff.

The defensive line would be a good place to start, as San Fran’s usually ferocious defense had a hard time finishing at the QB in 2024. The 49ers closed the year with 37 total sacks, which ranked tied with the depleted Detroit Lions for 23rd in football.

Robert Saleh's return to the San Francisco 49ers brings something special back to the team, according to Fred Warner, who recently reminisced about the good times they had when the now-defensive coordinator was with the franchise.

There's already been one major reunion for the San Francisco 49ers this offseason after they succeeded in bringing back Robert Saleh for a second spell as defensive coordinator. Now Saleh is getting to reunite with an old friend by adding Gus Bradley to his staff on the defensive side of the ball.

Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh has agreed to terms with the San Francisco 49ers to become the team's defensive coordinator, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on Friday.

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

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

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner believes Robert Saleh returning as the defensive coordinator for the team could be a "dominant" unit in 2025.