George Kittle may no longer be ranked as the league’s top tight end, but he is still hungry in his ninth season. With tons of new names brought into the fold, some believe the San Francisco 49ers have their work cut out for them this season.
Kittle remains one of the key pieces to the puzzle, as he’ll once again be paired up with Brock Purdy. The offensive talent is there, as Kittle couldn’t contain his excitement.
Why Is 49ers Tight End George Kittle So Excited About Robert Saleh’s Return?
While it may not seem like a big deal, Kittle pointed out how huge it is to have Robert Saleh in the building. The former New York Jets head coach couldn’t find any success in New York, so he’s returned to the other coast for a second stint in San Francisco.
After a brief run with the Green Bay Packers as an offensive consultant to end the 2024 season, Saleh is again the 49ers’ defensive coordinator.
The best change the 49ers made this offseason? 🤔
George Kittle had a quick answer.@heykayadams | @gkittle46 #FTTB pic.twitter.com/dq1iaKxs41
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) July 15, 2025
“I am so excited that Robert Saleh is back in the building,” Kittle said in an interview with Kay Adams on “Up & Adams.” “He is an incredibly talented coach, I love everything about him. I just love having him in the building, his energy, his aura, the way he talks to the guys, the way he motivates people. I’m just so excited to have him back in the building.
“Nothing against coaches we had in the past, I just thought he was so good at what he did when he was here,” Kittle said. “Just the way he builds the defense up and gives them their confidence, character, and the way they play. I’m just a huge fan of what he brings to the building and could not be more excited that he’s here.”
How Does Saleh’s Track Record Show His Impact?
While Saleh prioritizes defense and doesn’t work directly with someone like Kittle, he still knows how significant his presence is. Saleh’s work speaks for itself.
While the Jets may not have had the best record in each of his seasons there, they had a top-10 defense in 2022-23. He’s proven his ability with rookie talent, as Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner both won rookie of the year honors in 2022.
The 49ers have plenty of rookies as they made 11 selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. They prioritized defense, selecting defensive linemen Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and C.J. West, along with linebacker Nick Martin and cornerback Upton Stout, before making their first offensive pick. Six of their drafted players are on the defensive side of the ball.
San Francisco opens its season against the Seattle Seahawks. The 49ers then travel to New Orleans for a date with the Saints before their home opener on September 21 against the Arizona Cardinals.
The 49ers don’t play the Jets or the Packers, but they have games against the Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Seahawks, whom Saleh has coached in the past.
