4 teams that could hire Robert Saleh away from SF 49ers

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) with wide receiver Keke Coutee (16) Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) with wide receiver Keke Coutee (16) Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: Houston Texans

One would probably guess the Houston Texans would want to go with an offensive-minded head coach to replace the recently fired Bill O’Brien, particularly someone who could generate the kind of success necessary with one of the league’s top up-and-coming quarterbacks, Deshaun Watson.

On the surface, this would probably suggest candidates like Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll or Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.

At least there’s buzz there for Bieniemy, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.

But Robert Saleh could be in the running as a dark-horse candidate, especially with the understanding the Texans will regularly have to face Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry twice a year. And Saleh’s notable run defense with the SF 49ers in recent seasons could be an attractive-enough reason why Houston could be a possibility.

As long as Saleh brings in an effective offensive coordinator.

Plus, Saleh’s NFL history extends back to his first years in the NFL, which began with the Texans as an intern in 2005, and he stayed there through 2010.