At some point in the next few days, it wouldn't be surprising if San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh called up now-former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel to offer words of encouragement and support.
After all, Saleh understands what that's like after the New York Jets ousted him back in 2024. With the Dolphins doing the same to McDaniel after a frustrating 7-10 campaign, yet another one of Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan's former assistants is out of the job.
ESPN Sources: Dolphins fired head coach Mike McDaniel.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 8, 2026
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross met with McDaniel this week to discuss the season. After that meeting and reflection, Ross decided to move on. pic.twitter.com/tp9TnpGQ1l
Of course, it's not difficult to dream up the idea of McDaniel returning to San Francisco in some capacity or another; an effort by Shanahan to proverbially "get the band back together" after Saleh returned last offseason.
But there are several obstacles to such a reunion, the biggest of which is the 49ers already have an offensive coordinator in Klay Kubiak. There is no reason to suggest Shanahan and the Niners want to dismiss him in favor of hiring back McDaniel, unlike how they made room for Saleh entering 2025 by parting ways with one-and-done defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen.
All that said, Saleh might be keeping close tabs on McDaniel's activities, though. And the reason might not be one involving San Francisco's future coaching staff.
Robert Saleh could lure Mike McDaniel to next coaching venture
Saleh remains an excellent candidate for a head-coaching gig this offseason after rebuilding his brand with a primarily young and banged-up 49ers defense, and teams have already requested interviews with the coordinator.
True, the bulk of teams this day and age are seeking offensive-minded head coaches, meaning Saleh would need to tab a quality coordinator to manage that side of the ball.
McDaniel's firing just presented the defensive-minded coach with an option he knows awfully well.
Granted, Saleh isn't going to jump at the very first head-coaching opportunity he receives. He'll be selective, knowing fully well awfully few coaches are given a third chance at being a head coach if they flame out in two prior stops.
However, if the context is right for Saleh, he'll happily depart the Niners again and might already have an offensive coordinator in McDaniel on board with a verbal agreement in place.