There’s a possibility that Robert Saleh could reunite with the San Francisco 49ers, the team where he first made his mark as a defensive coordinator. According to Josina Anderson, the 49ers are “expected” to offer Saleh their vacant defensive coordinator position, a role he held from 2017 to 2020 before becoming head coach of the New York Jets. However, before any decisions are made, Saleh is set to meet with both the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Las Vegas Raiders next week to discuss their head coaching vacancies.
Saleh’s tenure as the Jets’ head coach came to an abrupt end this season after a disappointing 2-3 start. Over three-plus seasons with the team, he posted a 20-36 record, marking a challenging first stint as a head coach. Despite the struggles in New York, Saleh’s reputation as a defensive mastermind remains intact.
His time with the 49ers was particularly notable, as he built one of the league’s most formidable defenses, highlighted by a Super Bowl appearance in the 2019 season. During his leadership, the 49ers’ defense ranked among the NFL’s top five in both 2019 and 2020.
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The 49ers, meanwhile, are in need of a fresh start on defense after parting ways with Nick Sorensen. Sorensen’s unit struggled throughout the season, ranking 29th in points allowed as the team fell short of expectations with a 6-11 record. This marked the first time in four years that San Francisco failed to reach at least the NFC Championship game.
49ers eyeing Saleh to revitalize struggling defense
Given Saleh’s prior success with the franchise, bringing him back could be an appealing move for both parties. Saleh’s ability to develop elite defensive units and his familiarity with the organization make him a strong candidate for the role.
While Saleh is garnering attention for defensive coordinator roles, he remains in contention for head coaching opportunities during what is shaping up to be a competitive hiring cycle. Candidates such as former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, Lions coordinators Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson, and Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo are also in the mix for six available head coaching positions.
If Saleh doesn’t secure a top job, though, he may find himself with what Anderson referred to as a potential “fallback option” in San Francisco. For now, his next move will depend on how his upcoming interviews unfold.
