The San Francisco 49ers are focused on Saturday’s Divisional Round matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.
But for defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, the attention extends beyond this weekend.
Saleh is scheduled to interview with two NFL teams on Sunday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media. The Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans have both secured interviews with Saleh. The meetings are happening regardless of Saturday’s outcome.
The timing is notable. Saleh will spend Saturday night trying to help San Francisco reach the NFC Championship Game. Less than 24 hours later, he will be discussing head coaching opportunities with two franchises searching for leadership.
Robert Saleh Drawing Interest Across the League
The Ravens and Titans are not the only teams interested in Saleh.
The Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons have also requested interviews. No meetings have been scheduled yet with either organization.
Saleh’s profile has risen again after returning to the 49ers this season. He took over a defense that has dealt with significant injuries all year. Fred Warner was lost to a season-ending injury. Despite those absences, San Francisco has allowed 21.8 points per game. The defense has stayed competitive enough to help the team reach the postseason.
That performance has reminded teams around the league why Saleh earned his first head coaching job in the first place.
Saleh’s Coaching Background and NFL Journey
Saleh is no stranger to the NFL coaching carousel.
He has been coaching in the league since 2005. He worked his way through multiple organizations before landing his first defensive coordinator role with the 49ers in 2017. Under his direction, San Francisco’s defense became one of the league’s most physical and effective units. The team reached the Super Bowl in 2019.
That success led to Saleh being hired as head coach of the New York Jets ahead of the 2021 season. The tenure did not go as planned. Saleh went 7-10 in both 2022 and 2023. He was fired five games into the 2024 season following a 2-3 start.
After his dismissal in New York, Saleh spent the remainder of 2024 with the Green Bay Packers as an offensive consultant. He returned to San Francisco for the 2025 campaign.
His ability to manage the 49ers’ injury-riddled defense this season has reignited interest from teams looking for experienced leadership.
Why Teams Are Interested in Saleh
The Ravens fired head coach John Harbaugh last week after 18 seasons at the helm. Baltimore finished 8-9 this season and missed the postseason for the first time since 2020. The organization is looking for a coach who can stabilize a roster that still has talent but has underperformed.
Saleh’s experience building defenses and managing veteran rosters could appeal to Baltimore. The Ravens’ identity has historically been rooted in strong defensive play.
The Titans, meanwhile, have gone 3-14 in each of the last two seasons. Tennessee has not made the playoffs since 2021. The franchise is searching for its fourth head coach in as many years. That level of instability suggests the organization is desperate for someone who can provide structure and a clear vision.
Saleh’s track record in San Francisco suggests he can build a defense that competes even when injuries pile up. Both his first stint and his current return demonstrate that resilience. That matters for teams trying to climb out of extended losing stretches.
What This Means for the 49ers Moving Forward
San Francisco knew this was a possibility when they brought Saleh back.
Defensive coordinators who produce results do not stay coordinators for long. This is especially true when head coaching vacancies open up around the league. Saleh has done enough this season to earn another chance. The interviews lined up for Sunday reflect that.
Whether Saleh remains with the 49ers beyond this season will depend on how those interviews go. It also depends on whether any offers come through. But for now, his focus remains on Saturday night and helping San Francisco advance deeper into the playoffs.
Final Word for the 49ers
Robert Saleh has Sunday plans, but Saturday comes first.
The 49ers need to beat Seattle to keep their season alive. Saleh’s defense will play a major role in whether that happens. If San Francisco advances, Saleh will have even more to discuss during his interviews. If they fall short, the conversation shifts to what comes next.
Either way, Saleh’s time as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator may be nearing its end. Two teams are already waiting to talk to him. Others are likely to follow.
49ers Get Notable Robert Saleh Update Ahead of Seahawks Matchup