Robert Saleh, the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, is anticipated to attract interest as a head coaching candidate in the upcoming offseason, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.
At 46, Saleh faced challenges during his tenure as head coach of the New York Jets from 2021 to 2024. While he successfully transformed one of the league’s worst defenses into a competitive unit, he struggled to establish a consistent offensive strategy. Much of this was attributed to inconsistent quarterback play from Zach Wilson and a brief stint with Aaron Rodgers. Although LaFleur managed to improve the offense in his first two years, a disappointing finish to his second season led to his release. Nathaniel Hackett, who succeeded him in 2023, failed to provide the necessary leadership during a tumultuous season driven by the Jets’ ambitions for Rodgers. Saleh’s challenges were compounded by questionable roster decisions from general manager Joe Douglas and interference from owner Woody Johnson.
Saleh’s tenure ended abruptly after just five games in the 2024 season, necessitating a return to San Francisco where he rejoined head coach Kyle Shanahan. Currently, the 49ers’ defense ranks 25th in total defense but holds a more respectable 15th in points allowed. This disparity can largely be explained by injuries impacting key players such as Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, alongside the absence of other defensive assets like edge rushers Yetur Gross-Matos and Mykel Williams.
Despite his midseason dismissal, Saleh’s interview experiences for head coaching positions with teams like the Cowboys, Jaguars, and Raiders indicate that there remains a belief in his capabilities. In fact, Saleh was reportedly the second choice for head coach by Jacksonville, suggesting that NFL franchises see potential value in his leadership skills, especially considering the circumstances surrounding his exit from the Jets. Additionally, his connections with younger coaches from the Shanahan-Sean McVay coaching tree may make him an attractive candidate for teams seeking new offesive coordinators.
Since departing New York, Mike LaFleur has taken on the role of offensive coordinator under McVay in Los Angeles and may be eager for an opportunity to lead an offense once again. Should the Dolphins part ways with Mike McDaniel, a reunion between LaFleur and Saleh could be on the table, given their previous collaboration under Shanahan.
As the offseason approaches, Saleh will need to excel in his interviews and clearly communicate his vision to potential new teams. After his experiences with the Jets, finding a club with aligned values and synergy between ownership and management will be crucial for his future success. This upcoming hiring cycle represents both a challenge and an opportunity for Saleh to reshape his coaching narrative and reclaim his position in the league.