According to one report from NFL Network, the Jaguars aren't necessarily honing in on Robert Saleh as their next head coach.
It's not difficult to read between the lines regarding the Jacksonville Jaguars' shocking (not so shocking) decision to part ways with general manager Trent Baalke earlier this week.
A brief recap, Jags owner Shad Khan dismissed head coach Doug Pederson at 2024's conclusion but retained Baalke, surprising many across the NFL. But, when it became apparent Jacksonville would have difficulty landing a new head coach to replace Pederson because of Baalke's presence and history of clashing with coaches, Khan was backed into a corner and ultimately decided to let Baalke go.
That, of course, hindered the San Francisco 49ers' hopes of reuniting with their former defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh, who became available for the Niners' own coordinator vacancy after the New York Jets dismissed him in the middle of last season.
With San Francisco conducting awfully few interviews for defensive coordinator, Saleh seemed to be the clear-cut target.
Except he was also interviewing for the Jaguars' vacancy.
Baalke's dismissal seemed to point at the Jags' likelihood of naming Saleh as a finalist for the role, thereby denying the 49ers their top target and forcing head coach Kyle Shanahan into a scramble drill for an alternative.
However, yet another rumor denies the inevitability of Saleh heading to Northern Florida.
49ers should be glad to hear latest rumor about Robert Saleh and Jaguars
A day after Baalke was let go, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Jacksonville wasn't limiting its interviews strictly to Saleh and Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
No, Rapoport added the Jaguars were also exploring additional candidates, including offensive coordinators Joe Brady and Kellen Moore of the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles, respectively.
Worth noting: The #Jaguars are not down to the two candidates who are in this week for in-person interviews (Robert Saleh and Patrick Graham). Their interview schedule is also expected to include, among others, coaches in the playoffs such as Joe Brady and Kellen Moore. https://t.co/1OCerKA1jN
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 23, 2025
Making things even more interesting, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen is apparently back in play after originally declining an interview with Khan when Baalke was present:
Plot twist: #Bucs OC Liam Coen has been speaking with the #Jaguars in person for their HC job, and he is a key candidate to be the coach in Jacksonville, per me and @TomPelissero.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 23, 2025
Days after agreeing to a massive extension in Tampa, he may find a HC job he could not refuse. pic.twitter.com/2b1NWBWnwr
From the Jags' perspective, it makes good sense to land an offensive-minded coach, especially with the need to get the most out of their cornerstone quarterback, Trevor Lawrence. Should Saleh get the job, he'd have to secure a critical hire at offensive coordinator, something that'd be notably difficult this late in the process.
The Niners, meanwhile, should feel a bit relieved at the news, knowing their lack of coordinator interviews outside of Saleh (and a couple of others) isn't guaranteed to come back and haunt them.
At least not yet.
Granted, Saleh could wind up acing his interview and convincing Khan he's the right man for the job, which would be in line with the former's desire to remain in the head-coaching ranks.
That said, San Francisco might be breathing a little easier knowing that outcome doesn't appear to be "a sure thing" quite like it was a mere 24 hours before.