Robert Saleh Reveals Point Of Emphasis For 49ers' Defense In Final Four Games

Robert Saleh reveals point of emphasis for 49ers' defense in final four games originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

As the 49ers push into their final four games of the 2025 NFL regular season, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh made one thing clear: the emphasis up front isn’t about sack totals — it’s about discipline within the rush.

On Thursday, Saleh was asked about coach Kyle Shanahan’s recent comments regarding the defensive line’s shift from “going for the kill” to containing opposing quarterbacks in the pocket. Saleh pointed to defensive line coach Kris Kocurek as the driving force behind that mindset.

“That’s a credit to Kris and the way he coaches those guys,” Saleh told reporters. “I always talk about our D-line — it’s relentless chaos, but it’s organized in a way.”

Saleh described the group’s approach as aggressive but controlled, built around understanding when to hunt and when to stay disciplined.

“He’s got those guys tied together,” Saleh continued. “They understand what they can and can’t do. I always say, in coaching, you always get what you emphasize, and Kris does a really good job of emphasizing the things they need to get done — where you can still rush the quarterback relentlessly in the way you need to win a one-on-one, but also within the within the confines, if you will, of the scheme and keeping the quarterback in in the pocket.”

The emphasis comes at a pivotal point in the season. At 9-4, the 49ers remain firmly in the playoff picture, and maintaining structure along the defensive front has grown increasingly important as they look to tighten up details across the unit. San Francisco’s defensive line has been one of its most consistent groups, and Saleh’s comments reflect the staff’s push to balance aggressiveness with scheme discipline.

With four games left on the schedule, the coaching staff continues to stress cohesion and control as the team works to close out the regular season strong.

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