Robert Saleh’s impact is understood by 49ers fans, but plenty of San Francisco’s younger players are getting their first experience with the veteran defensive coordinator this season.
Among them is second-year cornerback Renardo Green, who’s reaping the benefits of Saleh’s tutelage as he enters his sophomore NFL season.
Green explained how Saleh has helped him process information faster, increasing his reaction speed and allowing him more freedom on the field.
“He helped me clean up my eyes and put certain terminology in my head, so when I’m out there processing things that terminology is kicking into my head and helping me make more plays and play faster,” Green told reporters after Monday’s practice. “Have more personality out there when it comes to what we’re in before the snap. Robert Saleh is a great coach, and any time he can talk to me or tell me something I absorb it like a sponge.”
Green had a strong debut campaign after being selected No. 64 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, logging 13 passes defended — tied for second among all rookies — along with one interception and one fumble.
The Florida State product is poised for a significant role in San Francisco’s secondary after the departure of veteran cornerback Charvarius Ward, and it appears Saleh has the 24-year-old on track to build on his impressive rookie season.
Saleh was San Francisco’s defensive coordinator 2017 to 2020, with his units finishing as top-five defenses in each of his final two seasons with the 49ers.
With Saleh back in the mix, the 49ers will look to return to their elite ways with a number of new faces ushering in a new era in San Francisco.
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