The San Francisco 49ers underwent one major change this offseason when they lost defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who is now the head coach of the New York Jets. Saleh did a great job with the unit, especially over the past two seasons.
Since he took over in 2017, San Francisco’s defense improved immensely under Saleh. Here is where the 49ers’ defense has ranked in DVOA over the past four seasons, per Football Outsiders.
2017: 26th
2018: 24th
2019: 2nd
2020: 6th
The 2020 season got off to a brutal start for Saleh and the defense.