Robert Saleh left the Jacksonville Jaguars years ago to become the 49ers defensive coordinator. It appears he's returning to that job in the Bay Area.

Robert Saleh didn’t get the job he wanted, but the job he accepted could lead to a gig he desires next year. Saleh rejoined the San Francisco 49ers as their defensive coordinator Friday and the announcement was made shortly after the last of the three head-coaching openings for which he was a candidate was filled.

The watch for Robert Saleh returning to the San Francisco 49ers is like a teeter-totter. One day things are looking are up, while another day it is looking down

Robert Saleh’s encore as 49ers defensive coordinator took on more likelihood as the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Las Vegas Raiders hired others to fill their head coach vacancies.

Saleh, who was fired in October as the New York Jets head coach five games into his fourth season, generated interest on the head-coaching front and was seen as one of the frontrunners for the Jacksonville Jaguars job. He also interviewed with the Las Vegas Raiders and Dallas Cowboys.

The 49ers already nailed the first step to bouncing back next season by hiring Robert Saleh to rebuild the defense.