The NFL world was caught off guard recently when the New York Jets announced the firing of head coach Robert Saleh. While the San Francisco 49ers find themselves grappling with a 2-3 record, there’s no sense of panic just yet. For the Jets, however, it’s a different story. With their season taking a downturn, drastic measures were taken, leaving many wondering: Could Saleh make his way back to the 49ers?

The Niners’ Situation: No Cause for Alarm

For the 49ers, sitting with a 2-3 record isn’t exactly the ideal start to their season, but the team and its fanbase have reasons to remain optimistic. With just one game separating them from the division-leading Seattle Seahawks (3-2), the NFC West is still wide open. The Kyle Shanahan-led team has faced adversity before and knows how to navigate challenges. There’s no panic in the Bay Area just yet. The team is built to handle rough patches, and they have plenty of time to turn the season around.

In contrast, the New York Jets appear to be in full crisis mode. After a disheartening start to the season, including a short-lived Aaron Rodgers experiment, the Jets decided to part ways with Saleh. Though his time as head coach may have been tumultuous, it’s hard to ignore that Saleh never got a true chance to showcase his abilities, especially after losing Rodgers just six games into his tenure with the star quarterback. Saleh’s sudden departure now raises the possibility of a reunion with the team that helped him make his name in the league: the San Francisco 49ers.

Could Saleh Return to the 49ers?

With Saleh’s firing now official, speculation has quickly turned to his next move. The Jets have named Jeff Ulbrich as their interim coach, but Saleh’s coaching career is far from over. Could the former 49ers defensive coordinator return to Shanahan’s staff in some capacity?

The current 49ers defense ranks 10th in yards allowed and 9th in points given up, a respectable standing five weeks into the season. Nick Sorensen, their current defensive coordinator, has done a solid job, so it’s unlikely the 49ers would make a hasty decision to replace him. However, there’s always room for more coaching talent, and Saleh’s familiarity with the team makes him an intriguing option.

If Shanahan and Saleh are both open to the idea, a role could easily be created for the former Jets coach, who could immediately start contributing to the team. His proven defensive acumen and experience with the 49ers’ system make him a natural fit, and a return to San Francisco could be just what he needs to reset his coaching career before another head coaching opportunity comes his way.

A Win-Win Opportunity?

For Saleh, a return to San Francisco could be the perfect short-term move. It would allow him to stay relevant in the NFL, refine his coaching skills, and re-establish his value. For the 49ers, having Saleh back on the sidelines would only strengthen an already formidable coaching staff, giving the team extra support as they look to improve their record and push for the playoffs.

Ultimately, if both sides are interested, this could be a win-win situation. Shanahan knows the value of a strong support system, and if Saleh is available, it’s hard to imagine the 49ers passing up the opportunity to bring back a familiar face who was key to their success in the past.

The question now is whether Saleh sees San Francisco as the right landing spot for him at this stage of his career. If so, the 49ers may have a golden opportunity to reinforce their defense and continue their quest for success this season.