San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh has done a fantastic job with the Niners’ defense despite losing Fred Warner and Nick Bosa early on in the 2025 NFL season.
With no true superstar on the defensive side of the ball, the 49ers have adopted a bend but don’t break mentality. Saleh and his unit might not be a vaunted defense, but the group can make key stops when needed, which has helped the 49ers overcome so many injuries.
As a result, the rest of the NFL has taken notice, and The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on Jan. 3 that Saleh will be among the names that the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans intend to interview as the two franchises begin searching for a new head coach.
“The two franchises already with openings, the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans, will begin remote interviews next week with candidates whose teams are out of the playoffs, with formal interview requests set to be submitted Monday,” Russini wrote.
“… Each team has a list of 10 to 15 potential candidates, though not all are expected to make it to the interview stage. In-person interviews can officially begin Jan. 19. Among the names expected to interview for one or both jobs next week: Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
“Coordinators on playoff teams who are also expected to be in the mix include Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile and Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.”
49ers’ Robert Saleh Will Be a Candidate for a HC Job
This news from Russini marks the latest in which Saleh’s name has come up for a potential head coaching position. During a Dec. 29 appearance on the “Pat McAfee Show,” ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter shared what he’s hearing regarding Saleh.
“I think Robert Saleh is definitely going to get interviewed here in this cycle,” Schefter said on the program. “We’ll see whether or not he gets one. That certainly will be a possibility. His name has been bandied about here as a candidate. Trying to think of other guys that they would have.
“They have a young guy on their staff, Klay Kubiak, who eventually, I think, is going to be a head coach one day—Klint Kubiak’s brother. I don’t know that he’s there yet, but eventually he may get there. They have some young GM candidates there as well. From the head coaching standpoint, Saleh would represent their best hope to get one this offseason.”
49ers’ Robert Saleh Looks to End Season on a Positive Note
Before Saleh can think about his future, he and the 49ers’ defense need to focus on the Seattle Seahawks. The Week 18 game will determine who wins the NFC West division and clinches the No. 1 seed in the conference.
After that, it’s all about the playoffs. Whether or not the Niners get a first-round bye, Saleh and Co. will need to play a significant role in ensuring that the team can reach another Super Bowl in the Kyle Shanahan era, but this time come out victorious.
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