Apparently, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh remains a candidate for the head coaching job with the Cleveland Browns. His defense put up an impressive performance on Saturday against a hot Minnesota Vikings team in the NFC Divisional playoff game at Levi's Stadium.

Who knows what direction the Browns plan to go? For now, Saleh's focus shifts toward the winner of Sunday's matchup against the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks, which the 49ers will host next weekend in the NFC Championship Game.

Defensive end Nick Bosa was asked on the NBC broadcast after Saturday's 27-10 win to discuss what Saleh has meant to the 49ers defense.

"I've learned a lot," Bosa responded. "He just puts us in the best position possible. He's built this defense (with) a lot of his guys. He's just a really good motivator. He's always got stories for us with deeper meanings and just makes you think a lot. I love him as a person, and he's a great coach."


Cornerback Richard Sherman was asked about Saleh and his coaching candidacy during the 49ers' post-game press conference.

"Saleh called a fantastic game," Sherman said. "I heard a lot of people and read a lot of media reports talking about this game would decide the Cleveland Browns' coaching position between their offensive coordinator (Vikings' Kevin Stefanski) and Saleh. And if that's the way they want to decide it, I think Saleh put on a great performance, and he deserves consideration.

"He's called great games throughout the year. This was a masterpiece of him just knowing his personnel, having his personnel, and just coming up with a fantastic plan and us executing it. He deserves a ton of credit. He deserves to be a head coach."

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