It sounds like Robert Saleh is heading back to San Francisco. Matt Barrows, Michael Silver and Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic report that Saleh is expected to join the 49ers as their defensive coordinator.
A reunion with Saleh always seemed like the likeliest outcome as the 49ers sought a replacement for Nick Sorensen. Saleh was connected to several head coaching vacancies, and Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area says his coordinator candidacy is still dependent on the outcome of those processes. However, assuming Saleh doesn’t get a head coaching gig this year, the coach has made it clear to the 49ers that he’ll be back in San Francisco.
While Saleh interviewed for jobs with the Cowboys and Raiders, his main shot at immediately returning to the HC role appeared to be with the Jaguars. However, that situation took a major turn earlier this evening when Liam Coen reentered the sweepstakes. Saleh was set to meet with the Jaguars for a second interview tomorrow, but the coach cancelled his flight after learning about the Coen news. Unless there’s another sudden pivot, Saleh is now trending towards not earning a HC job during this year’s cycle.
Now, the veteran coach is expected to land back in San Francisco, where he first earned a reputation as one of the league’s top defensive minds. Saleh spent four years as the 49ers defensive coordinator, and he quickly elevated his unit to one of the best in the NFL. The coach parlayed that performance into a head coaching job with the Jets, and he admirably lasted three-plus seasons in New York despite never finishing with a winning record. When he was canned midway through the 2024 season, Saleh had put together a 20-36 record as head coach.
Since the 49ers decided to move Sorensen off of his DC post earlier this offseason, Saleh has been a popular name for the vacancy. The 49ers have actually kept their search relatively small, as Saleh was only joined by 49ers assistant head coach Brandon Staley and Lions defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend on the list of candidates. Still, considering Saleh’s prior relationship and success with the organization, he always seemed like the front runner.
When Saleh is inevitably named to the role, it sounds like he won’t request many sweeping changes to the defensive coaching staff. As The Athletic notes, many of his top lieutenants are still in San Francisco, including defensive line coach Kris Kocurek, linebackers coach Johnny Holland, and defensive backs coach Daniel Bullocks.
Much better to be in California than crappy Florida so good for him.
Sounds like you’ve never been to the Bay Area
I’ve been to both areas a lot and the Bay Area is a lot more desirable if you can afford it.
And stand the smell of human feces!
I’ve been to the Bay Area many times in recent years and seen zero human feces in the city, let alone where a Niners coach would live and work.
I’ve seen it. Not to mention having to hide your stuff in the trunk of your car so it doesn’t get stolen. Have to find a safe place to get gas in Oakland, or just don’t stop at any gas station.. you’ll get robbed. Oakland is terrible.
lol Sorry you had a bad time in Oakland, I guess.
9ers play in Santa Clara…most live that area. Team is San Fran in name only and for the league to use the city for SB events.
Hallelujah!!!!
Good for Saleh going back to a functional organization and rebuilding his career a minute before taking another head coach job. Good for Shanahan getting Saleh back when that defense needs a little rebuilding.
I think it’s a really, really smart move in his part, I agree.
Jackpot
This is A disgrace move. He’s a power head coach. He’s not a Brady baby Belicheck boomer bouncer. Lol. Never go back. Golden rule.
You ok man?