As the San Francisco 49ers gear up for the 2024 NFL season, they anticipate some competition against familiar faces. The team is set to take on two former coordinators now turned head coaches in Weeks 1 and 16 of the newly-released NFL schedule.

In Week 1, the 49ers are taking on the New York Jets for the first time in four seasons. This year will also be the first time we see the battle of head coach Kyle Shanahan versus Robert Saleh, who was San Francisco's defensive coordinator during Shanahan's first four seasons in The Bay. Saleh was hired by the New York Jets after the 2020 season.

In three seasons as the Jets head coach, Saleh has gone 18-33. This season, Saleh is leading a group that is headlined by 10-time Pro Bowl quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers and the Jets are looking to bounce back after the quarterback suffered a season-ending Achilles tear on the fourth snap of his career in New York.

The team made several impactful moves during this offseason to fortify their offensive line, build upon one of the strongest defenses in the NFL and supply Rodgers with a few more offensive weapons. In free agency, the Jets picked up two-time First-Team All-Pro tackle Tyron Smith, former Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams and Pro Bowl edge rusher Haason Reddick. Former 49ers defensive players, Javon Kinlaw and Isaiah Oliver, also joined New York in free agency. During the 2024 NFL Draft, the Jets selected Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu with the 11th-overall pick and traded up seven spots for the first pick in the third round to select wide receiver Malachi Corley from Western Kentucky.

The 49ers and Jets have faced off in the NFL regular season a total of 14 times with San Francisco leading the series 11-3. The next contest between the two teams will take place in Week 1 at Levi's® Stadium.

Later in the season, the 49ers will travel across the country to face yet another familiar face. In Week 16, the red and gold will be in South Florida for a Shanahan vs. Mike McDaniel rematch.

The last time the two coaches faced off was during the 2022 season, in a game that saw then-rookie Brock Purdy take over at quarterback after Jimmy Garoppolo went down with a season-ending foot injury. Purdy helped lead the 49ers to a victory against Miami on his way to becoming one of the NFL's fastest-rising stars.

McDaniel has notched a 20-14 record in his first two seasons as the Dolphins head coach and has made two playoff appearances. This year, McDaniel leads an explosive offense that features Pro Bowl quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, wide receivers Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, newly-acquired free agent Odell Beckham Jr. and former 49ers running back Raheem Mostert. The Dolphins also made notable pickups during their offseason to bolster the team's defense, signing All-Pro safety Jordan Poyer, former Washington Commanders cornerback Kendall Fuller and Pro Bowl linebacker Shaquil Barrett during free agency and drafting Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

San Francisco has played against Miami 15 times in NFL history, including Super Bowl XIX when the 49ers defeated the Dolphins 38-16 to take home their second Super Bowl victory. The Dolphins lead the all-time series 8-7, and the two teams will face off once again in Week 16 at Hard Rock Stadium.

The San Francisco 49ers 2024 schedule is here! Click here to view details of the upcoming season and purchase tickets.