The San Francisco 49ers‘ defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh, has emerged as a top target for the Miami Dolphins following their decision to part ways with Mike McDaniel, reigniting speculation about a possible return to the AFC East.
Saleh, who guided the 49ers‘ defense with notable success this season, is currently focused on preparing for San Francisco‘s NFC Wild Card clash against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL Playoffs, but interest from other teams continues to mount.
The Dolphins formally requested an interview with Saleh on Saturday, January 10 according to NFL Network‘s Ian Rapoport, citing the familiarity gained from his tenure as head coach of the New York Jets, the team he led from 2021 to 2024.
“The Dolphins have put in a request to interview 49ers DC Robert Saleh, source said, as Miami takes a look at the former Jets HC,” Rapoport wrote on X.
Other franchises have also expressed interest, including the Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons, and Arizona Cardinals, all seeking new leadership after recent coaching changes.
Albert Breer reported the multiple interview requests, highlighting Saleh‘s continued desirability in NFL circles.
But Jordan Schultz noted that Saleh faced similar interest last season but ultimately stayed in San Francisco, meaning he isn’t keen to dive straight back into the hot seat at the first time of asking.
Saleh‘s previous stint with the Jets ended abruptly in October 2024 after a disappointing start to the season, including three losses in five games.
His tenure finished with a 20-36 record, never reaching the playoffs in three full seasons.
“This was not an easy decision, but we are not where we should be given our expectations and I believe now is the best time for us to move in a different direction,” Jets owner Woody Johnson said upon Saleh‘s firing.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich was named interim head coach, and Aaron Glenn eventually took over the role permanently after leaving the Detroit Lions.
The Jets finished the 2025 NFL season last in the AFC East with a 3-14 record and 503 points allowed. The defense did not record a single interception throughout the year.
Dolphins contact John Harbaugh after being fired by Ravens
While Saleh‘s interview request indicates serious consideration, the Dolphins‘ head coaching search is just beginning, and multiple candidates will compete for the job in the coming weeks.
Miami also reached out to John Harbaugh following his departure from Baltimore, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter reporting the move coincided with the Dolphins finalizing an agreement with their new general manager, Jon-Eric Sullivan.
“On the day the Dolphins finalized an agreement with GM Jon-Eric Sullivan,” Schefter noted. “They finally reached out to John Harbaugh.
“And let it be known that they, too, are interested in him, per sources. So add Miami to the list of teams that would like to meet with Harbaugh.”
Harbaugh remains the most high-profile candidate, partly due to his strong connection with owner Steve Ross, though the Dolphins also have secondary options, including Kevin Stefanski and potentially Matt LaFleur.
If Saleh does accept an offer, he would return to the division he knows best, facing the Jets twice per season, including a potential homecoming at MetLife Stadium, setting up a compelling storyline for 2026.
