The San Francisco 49ers were fully aware defensive coordinator Robert Saleh likely wouldn't be in the building for too long when they re-hired him for his former role last offseason.
Perhaps for just a single season.
The ousted New York Jets head coach didn't lose much of his reputation despite being fired by Gang Green midway through 2024, especially considering how things have gone in the Big Apple post his employment there.
Meanwhile, Saleh made the most out of a banged-up and predominantly inexperienced defense throughout the course of 2024, earning more respect and credibility as a head-coaching candidate. It's not unlike the job he did back in 2020 when the Niners faced similar injury attrition, yet Saleh ended up fielding a quality defense comprised largely of backups and role players, which in turn, led him to the gig in New York the following year.
Saleh has reiterated that he wants to get back to being a head coach, yet his primary focus at the moment is helming San Francisco's defense to the best extent possible.
That said, the coordinator may have some solid opportunities coming his way.
And soon.
Black Monday is opening door for Robert Saleh to depart 49ers (again)
Not surprisingly, the ax has fallen on several head coaches the Monday after the regular season's conclusion.
Already after both the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants dismissed their head coaches earlier in the year, "Black Monday" has now claimed Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns, Jonathan Gannon of the Arizona Cardinals, Raheem Morris of the Atlanta Falcons and Pete Carroll of the Las Vegas Raiders. There could be additional moves over the next few days, too, although most head-coach firings typically occur immediately after the regular season ends.
Currently, though, the following teams now have openings:
- New York Giants
- Atlanta Falcons
- Tennessee Titans
- Cleveland Browns
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Arizona Cardinals
If there is some hope for Saleh's retention in the Bay Area, it's the realization he understands his next head-coaching gig is likely going to be his last best opportunity. Usually, coaches aren't given a third chance at being a head coach after two failed steads, and Saleh understands this.
So, accepting a job with an organization that doesn't exactly boast stability and strong leadership might not exactly be the best option. Saleh can afford to be picky.
That said, teams like Vegas might be willing to cede plenty of power and influence to someone like Saleh to help stabilize the franchise, and it wouldn't be a shock if a context like that ultimately convinces the 49ers' current coordinator to accept a role elsewhere.
Regardless, the next few weeks will be tense to watch regarding his immediate future.