The San Francisco 49ers are in the thick of the NFC playoff picture, despite dealing with a slew of injuries for the second straight season. The Niners have done a remarkable job overcoming adversity this year, and a guy who has played a key role in their turnaround is defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
After being fired from his post as the New York Jets‘ head coach early in 2024, Saleh returned to his old stomping grounds with the 49ers, rejoining Kyle Shanahan‘s staff after previously serving as San Fran’s defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020. Saleh’s return to town could ultimately be short-lived, though, as reports indicate he’s set to draw interest for several head coach vacancies over the offseason.
Robert Saleh Emerging as Top Head Coach Candidate
Saleh has worked as a coach in football since 2002, but he really put himself on the map for his work during his first stint as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator. That led Saleh to the Jets, but his tenure with the team did not go as expected, and he was fired five games into the 2024 campaign. After spending time with the Green Bay Packers as an offensive consultant, Saleh found his way back to San Francisco over the offseason.
Some folks were curious to see if Saleh could put himself back on the map with the Niners, and sure enough, he has managed to do just that. Even with superstar players like Fred Warner and Nick Bosa suffering season-ending injuries early in the year, Saleh has continually found a way to get the most out of his defense, which is a big reason why the team is 9-4 through 13 games.
Unsurprisingly, the rest of the league has taken note of Saleh’s work with the 49ers, and it could lead to him getting his second shot as a head coach in the NFL. Rumors have begun to swirl indicating that Saleh is already generating buzz as a potential head coach candidate, with at least two teams expected to pursue him over the offseason.
“League-wide sources tell me (9-4) 49ers DC Robert Saleh will get looks for at least two expected HC vacancies, once carousel season heats up over the next few weeks,” Josina Anderson reported in a post on X.
Losing Robert Saleh Would Certainly Hurt the 49ers
GettyDefensive coordinator Robert Saleh of the San Francisco 49ers.
When the 49ers hired Saleh, they certainly knew that there was a shot he’d be on the move quickly if the defense excelled under his watch. Sure enough, the unit has looked great this season, and it’s led to Saleh already generating interest for potential head coach openings across the league.
While this doesn’t necessarily guarantee he will leave, the loss of Saleh would be a huge blow for the Niners, as they would once again have to find a new defensive coordinator. Beyond that, replacing Saleh could be tough when considering the work he’s done with the group this season. For now, the team is focused on making the most of the 2025 campaign, but Saleh’s future will be worth keeping tabs on as the end of the season draws near.
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