NFC West Roundup: 49ers Bring Back a Familiar Face, Cardinals Face Tough Questions, and Rams Make a Key Change
As the regular season winds down, the NFC West is anything but quiet. From a high-profile reunion in San Francisco to questions swirling around Arizona’s leadership, and a notable shakeup in Los Angeles, there’s plenty to unpack across the division.
49ers Reunite with Robert Saleh: A Move Years in the Making
When Robert Saleh became available, the 49ers didn’t hesitate-and honestly, why would they? General Manager John Lynch made it clear that bringing Saleh back to the staff wasn’t just a possibility, it was a priority.
“Whether we played with a bunch of young guys, old guys, I wanted Robert Saleh on our staff,” Lynch said. “We were in pursuit of Robert as soon as we knew that was a viable option.”
That kind of conviction speaks volumes. Saleh, who helped build the 49ers’ dominant defense during his previous run as defensive coordinator, left a lasting impression-and clearly, the door was always open for a return.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan echoed that sentiment, revealing that Saleh was their top target from the jump.
“He was definitely our first choice; we were hoping that we would be his, and that’s what he told me early on,” Shanahan said. “I was glad he stuck with his word or we would’ve had beef.”
That last line might’ve been delivered with a laugh, but it underscores how much Saleh means to this organization. His energy, his leadership, and his ability to connect with players helped shape the identity of the 49ers’ defense during their rise. Now, with a talented roster already in place, his return could be the spark that takes this unit to another level.
Cardinals: Pressure Mounts Amid Losing Streak
In Arizona, the mood is a little more tense. The Cardinals are riding a seven-game losing streak, and naturally, the spotlight is turning toward head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort.
While there’s respect around the league for Gannon’s leadership and potential, the reality is that results matter-and right now, the Cardinals aren’t delivering them. With the team struggling to close out games and find consistency on either side of the ball, questions about the franchise’s direction are starting to bubble up.
It’s not uncommon for first-year regimes to hit bumps, especially when dealing with a roster in transition. But seven straight losses is a tough pill to swallow, and in situations like this, someone usually ends up on the hot seat. Whether that’s Gannon or someone else remains to be seen, but the pressure is undeniably building in the desert.
Rams Make Special Teams Change as Playoff Push Continues
Over in Los Angeles, Sean McVay isn’t waiting around to make tough decisions. After 15 games, the Rams have made a change at special teams coordinator, parting ways with Chase Blackburn.
McVay spoke candidly about the move, framing it as a long-term decision made with the team’s growth in mind.
“What it really boiled down to was the confidence that I have in this football team and where I think we can head and where I think the areas of improvement are needed,” McVay said. “Through these 15 games, we learned a lot, and man, I have so much confidence in this group. I’m so excited about the response to a disappointing outcome.”
It’s a bold move, especially this late in the season, but it’s also a reflection of McVay’s leadership style. He’s not afraid to pivot if he believes it will help the team in the long run. And with the Rams still in the mix, every detail matters-especially in the third phase of the game, where a single play can swing a season.
Final Thoughts
The NFC West continues to be one of the most compelling divisions in football-not just because of what happens on Sundays, but because of the decisions being made behind the scenes. The 49ers are doubling down on their identity by bringing back a trusted voice.
The Cardinals are at a crossroads, trying to figure out how to stop the bleeding. And the Rams are making moves with a clear eye on the future.
As the postseason looms, these storylines will only intensify. Buckle up.