Robert Saleh could have the 49ers’ defensive coordinator gig — what would be a second time in that role — in his back pocket, though time may be an issue for both parties. A second head coach interview request has since come Saleh’s way.
After the Jaguars requested a meeting, Saleh is set to meet with the Raiders, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reports. Saleh’s Jaguars interview is slated for Tuesday, and NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo adds Saleh’s Raiders meeting is scheduled for next week.
Las Vegas’ search party remains in the early stages. The team did secure a meeting with Lions OC Ben Johnson, who again resides as one of the top names on the market. Saleh joins Glenn and Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo as defense-oriented options to receive Raiders requests. This represents more momentum for Saleh, who has been working with the Packers in an advisory role for several weeks.
The Jets fired Saleh after the team started 2-3. No interim bounce occurred, as Jeff Ulbrich was unable to revive the team’s prospects in the way Woody Johnson hoped. The Jets’ first (and likely last) season with Aaron Rodgers as the full-time starter deteriorated following Saleh’s ouster. Saleh, 45, dealt with several Rodgers-generated hiccups — the minicamp absence among them — and saw his HC stint largely defined by Zach Wilson‘s struggles in the three years prior.
Though, Saleh improved the Jets’ defense significantly in that span. After New York ranked last across the board defensively in 2021, Saleh and Ulbrich vaulted the unit to fourth in 2022. It remained a top-five total defense in both 2023 and ’24. Ulbrich remains in play for the Jets’ full-time HC post, though he is not considered the favorite for a team starting over in the front office as well. In the meantime, Saleh will be set to tell some interesting stories to two AFC suitors. More DC interest stands to emerge if he does not land either top job.
Via PFR’s Head Coaching Search Tracker, here is how the Raiders’ hunt looks on Day 2 post-Antonio Pierce:
- Bill Belichick, head coach (North Carolina): Contacted about job
- Brian Flores, defensive coordinator (Vikings): Mentioned as candidate
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): Interview requested
- Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator (Lions): To interview 1/10
- Todd Monken, offensive coordinator (Ravens): Interview requested
- Robert Saleh, former head coach (Jets): To interview
- Steve Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interview requested
- Mike Vrabel, former head coach (Titans): Rumored candidate
He’s a good coach. I’m sure he would do scary things with their defensive line talent. I’m sure he couldn’t possibly have a worse offensive coordinator than Pierce had. But I doubt he’s getting another head coach job this offseason, and I don’t think he’s the right fit there anyway.
Saleh kind of has the Old School Raiders’ mentality….. it might work
Also, Warren Sapp did a good job with the Buffaloes working on the Pass Rush.
The Buffs were solid regarding the Pass Rush this past season.
Sapp could be the D Line Coach and he played for the Raiders before he retired
Keep the Turners for the Offense, the Raiders could be back in business, sooner than later
Works for me
This could work. Saleh was done dirty by New York jets
I will always advocate for jumping at any offer for a second chance as a head coach or GM because most aren’t that lucky, but I’m not sure this is the job for him.
Yes, that defense has to be appealing, but he would be going somewhere with no QB, no chance to draft one at the top, and an owner who hasn’t exactly displayed patience lately when things don’t turn around immediately. I wouldn’t feel comfortable knowing I only have 25ish games to work my magic and 17 of them are likely down the toilet unless they dish out insane draft capital to acquire one, mortgaging their future ability to surround that QB with the talent needed to be a consistent playoff contender in the process.
Saleh should make sure he gets the right contract (enough years guaranteed) to make it worth his while. He should also read Brady in the interviews. If Tom is very keen to bring Robert there and give him full long-term endorsement then yes. If Tom is hesitant/absence, Saleh should definitely not trust Mark Davis. Davis is an interesting guy but unsuited to the stress and challenges of running a successful NFL team. It’s not his fault that the incomparable Al was his father.
Glad to see he’s done with the therapy sessions after coaching the Jets. Poor soul deserves better.
I think Deion’s name should be on that interview list