ESPN’s Nick Wagoner sat down with San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who reiterated some of his previous thoughts about becoming a head coach again. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler’s league sources, Saleh is expected to be a fixture during this upcoming hiring cycle due to his work this year with the 49ers and during his tenure with the Jets.
Saleh told ESPN, “Everyone wants to be at the top of their profession, and they want to succeed at that just to see how far they can go
and what they can achieve. Is my desire to get to the top of the profession and hoist the Lombardi one day? Absolutely. Am I in a hurry? No, I love it here. Obviously, the desire is there, but at the same time, it’s not desperation.”
The 49ers have gone from 31st in the NFL to 15th in points per drive, shaving nearly a half point off their total from a season ago. The 49ers are also significantly better in the red zone this year, going from 31st in the NFL, allowing 5.54 points per red-zone drive, to 4.8.
Fowler’s source said, “I think he will get interviews and be considered a strong candidate. [It’s a] weak candidate pool. He has credentials and done a good job with an injured defense.”
If you’re Saleh, it would be tempting if a job that isn’t open becomes available. There’s no reason for him to take a job like the Giants or Titans. But what if the Bengals fire Zac Taylor? Cincinnati has the fourth-most projected cap space in 2026, and the 10th-most draft capital. It’s also a job where the quarterback is secure.
A sneaky good job would be in the division. Jonathan Gannon has done nothing to prove he’s worthy of keeping his job. The Cardinals could press the reset button at head coach and quarterback, and hand the keys to Saleh. Arizona has the sixth-most draft capital in 2026 with $39.2 million in cap space next season.
The Browns could have the No. 1 pick. They have an outstanding rookie draft class and could be a Dante Moore or Fernando Mendoza away from being competitive.
Saleh won’t have a shortage of interviews or opportunities.
