Head coach Kyle Shanahan already quoted Michael Scott from The Office by talking about not being superstitious, albeit "a little 'stitious."
And soon, Shanahan might have to say something like, "I'm ready to get hurt again."
That's because defensive coordinator Robert Saleh will someday leave the San Francisco 49ers for another head-coaching vacancy, not unlike how he did back in 2021 after serving under Shanahan from 2017 through 2020 and fully developing what turned into a potent defense.
Fortunately, that's a problem for another time. Meanwhile, Shanahan has to be overjoyed Saleh is back in the building after serving as the New York Jets' head coach through the halfway point of 2024.
Judging by the head coach's comments from organized team activities this week, he certainly is.
"It’s awesome having Saleh back," Shanahan said. "Everyone’s familiar with him here. It’s funny how few people are left. You get to see how much change and turnover there is."
On top of just having a familiar face back in the building, Shanahan didn't want to omit how he's recognized how the one-time head coach had evolved in his own way, too.
"It’s nice hearing his voice in there, how he sees defense now, how he sees the NFL now," Shanahan continued. "Things evolve all the time. He is still the same guy and what he believes in. But it’s cool to hear how he has evolved in his last few years."
During his first presser back with the Niners, Saleh also reiterated he learned new things and would like to implement them with San Francisco's defense during what'll be his second stint in the Bay Area.
As for Shanahan, he's happy Saleh had the experience of being a head coach, too, which should make the two coaches' relationship a bit easier.
"Maybe he’s more understanding," Shanahan joked.
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