49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was in high demand for head coaching opportunities a few years ago, and San Francisco will have to brace for other teams being hungry for the chance chance to interview him once again after this season.
Saleh ultimately became head coach of the New York Jets in 2021 in an attempt to reframe the team’s struggling image, but an underwhelming 2-3 start in 2024 led to his firing by owner Woody Johnson.
“It’s not a secret, we all want to be at the top of our profession and show that we can achieve greatness at the top,” Saleh revealed when asked on Josina Anderson’s podcast, “The Exhibit”, Thursday whether he would like to coach again.
The New York Giants and Tennessee Titans are two teams among many that likely will be looking for a new head coach next season. However, with the 49ers currently in the thick of the NFC playoff hunt, Saleh retained that his focus remains on the job at hand.
“I’m just in the space right now where I’m solely trying to do my best for the guys here …,” Saleh stated. “…My focus here is just trying our best to get to the playoffs and see if we can make some damage and host the Super Bowl here in our building”.
Despite injuries to superstar players Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, Saleh has done an exceptional job with the 49ers’ defense this season, with San Francisco allowing just 17 combined points over its last two games after holding the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers to single-digit point totals.
Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara is the site for Super Bowl LX in 2026, and it would be a miracle if the 49ers could host it in their home stadium. If Saleh can help pull off another playoff push, it’s an even bigger miracle if San Francisco retains him after this season.