Warner has been one of the NFL’s premier linebackers ever since he joined the Niners in 2018. He simply exploded onto the NFL scene in his rookie year: 124 total tackles and 3 tackles for loss. Then, the following season, he guided the Niners to Super Bowl LIV. In their postseason run, Warner posted 20 combined tackles and even an interception with 2 passes defended. Well, all of those monstrous numbers came under the tutelage of Robert Saleh. Saleh was Shanahan’s defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2021.

After redefining the 49ers defense that finished in the top 10 of both scoring and yards per game in their Super Bowl LIV run. Saleh took up a new challenge as the Jets’ head coach. However, his time in New York was far from ideal. Saleh lasted only 3 seasons with an abysmal record of 20-36. He never got the offense working, but at least he worked his magic with their defense. In Saleh’s second season, the Jets were a top-5 unit. Still, his lack of success resulted in him getting the boot.

So, as he gears up for a homecoming, Warner seems to be the most excited, “Obviously, amazingly pumped. Because..nobody else had the vision for what I could be aside from him.” Warner earned his first Pro Bowl under Saleh’s final season in the Bay Area. Last season, the 49ers’ defense was ranked 26th. That’s why Warner seems to be the most pumped about his mentor’s return. However, only time will tell whether Saleh delivers to his expectations. Considering his highly successful first stint, the pressure will be on from day 1. No matter how he fares in his second stint, Warner will surely help him with his explosive tackling to make Saleh feel at home again.