San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh has guided the team’s defense impressively, even after the early losses of Fred Warner and Nick Bosa in the 2025 NFL season.
As a result, Saleh’s name is emerging in the head coaching candidate rumor mill, and the latest team to consider the Niners coach is the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot reported on Jan. 5 that Saleh is among the names that the Browns will interview to begin this cycle.
“Saleh interviewed for the Browns head coaching vacancy in 2020 that went to Stefanski, so the Browns know him well — and like him,” Cabot wrote. “A defensive-minded head coach, he runs a 4-3 so there’d be some continuity.
“He also has previous head coaching experience with the Jets from 2021-2024, and that’s a plus, even though he went 20-36 because of quarterback problems. He’s worked closely with Kyle Shanahan and other premier coaches in the league, and has tremendous leadership skills.”
Cleveland wrapped up the 2025 season at 5-12, marking their second consecutive last-place finish in the AFC North and the fourth losing season under Stefanski.
“We have tremendous gratitude for Kevin’s leadership of the Cleveland Browns over the last six seasons,” Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam said Monday in a statement (h/t ESPN).
“He is a good football coach and an even better person. We appreciate all his hard work and dedication to our organization but our results over the last two seasons have not been satisfactory, and we believe a change at the head coaching position is necessary.”
49ers’ Robert Saleh Is Candidate for Other Open HC Positions
Nonetheless, the Browns’ job isn’t the only position for which Saleh is being seen as a candidate. 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.”
Robert Saleh Will Be a Serious Candidate for a HC Position
This news about the Browns considering the 49ers coach marks the latest time Saleh’s name has surfaced as a potential head coaching candidate. 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 Coach Linked to Browns HC Job After Kevin Stefanski Firing