San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh could easily be a head coach this offseason if he absolutely wants to.
Arguably the only thing holding him back from such a gig is being picky. After being dismissed by the New York Jets in the middle of 2024, he should be selective. Awfully few coaches are afforded a third opportunity after two failed stints.
For the most part, the teams with head-coaching vacancies requesting interviews with Saleh don't exactly boast the best reputations. One possible front-runner, the Las Vegas Raiders, have endured a revolving door at head coach in tandem with no shortage of front-office dysfunction.
It's also hard to see the context with other coach-needy teams like the Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans or Arizona Cardinals as significantly better.
But all of that might not matter in light of another shocking head-coach firing, John Harbaugh, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens.
If a quality opening wasn't apparent before, it certainly is now.
Ravens reportely add Robert Saleh to their list of interview requests
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Baltimore is now on the list of teams requesting to interview the Niners' two-time defensive coordinator:
Ravens requested a head coach interview with 49ers DC Robert Saleh. He now has HC interview requests from Atlanta, Arizona, Tennessee and Baltimore. pic.twitter.com/4tQ9FZSxJs
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 8, 2026
The Ravens have demonstrated stability, retaining Harbaugh for 18 years before ultimately deciding it was time to move on. And while his 2025 campaign wasn't exactly MVP-caliber, quarterback Lamar Jackson nevertheless is an attractive option to have under center.
True, Baltimore does need a defensive overhaul, and Saleh's ability to get the most out of a young and banged-up San Francisco defense over the course of the year bodes well for him, should he accept a gig in the NFC North, a division arguably most associated with tough defenses. General manager Eric DeCosta is a well-respected executive, too, making the position notably more attractive than other possibilities with less-reputable GMs.
Saleh might still weigh his options and decide staying put with the 49ers remains his best choice for now. Or he might rebuff any would-be offer from the Ravens (if he's their top pick) in favor of another job he views as more attractive.
However, as far as the best surface-level landing spot now, it's hard to see any other franchise than Baltimore as the favorite.