"I expect him to be a head coach next year because of what he's able to do," Sherman told reporters via Zoom. "He's able to rally men. He's a leader of men, and that goes a long way."
The Detroit Lions have a head-coaching vacancy, and Sherman laid out to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated why he thinks Saleh should get the job.
"He has to get the Detroit job," Sherman texted to Breer after the game. "Homegrown. He's a great leader of men. And he's not stubborn. He doesn't just think he has all the answers. He comes up with a great plan and evolves it with his players."
What Saleh has done this season has been remarkable. Yes, he guided a talent-rich top defense last season — a unit that was a big part of the 49ers' Super Bowl run — but this season has been different. Injuries have decimated the roster, yet Saleh's defense ranks No. 6 in total yards allowed per game, No. 4 against the pass, No. 10 against the run, and No. 11 in points allowed per game.
And Saleh's defense (for the most part) put on a show on Sunday against the Rams, forcing four turnovers. It was almost as if the coordinator were auditioning for a head-coaching job.
"We battle for that man!" Sherman continued in the text. "He's a great human being. Makes you want to fight for him."
Head coach Kyle Shanahan knows he won't have Saleh with him forever. He thought maybe he might lose his defensive coordinator after last season and was relieved when the Cleveland Browns chose Kevin Stefanski over Saleh.
"I'm always concerned. I never want to lose Saleh," Shanahan said after Sunday's game. "I never want to lose any of our coaches, to tell you the truth. I thought he deserved [a head coach job] last year. Whether this game happened or not, it's a matter of time before he becomes one. I keep telling him don't be mad at me, because I know he's going to become one eventually."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Why the 49ers' wait for Robert Saleh could extend beyond this weekend
Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh is scheduled to meet with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday for a second interview regarding their head coaching vacancy. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers are closely monitoring the situation, as head coach Kyle Shanahan is... -
NFL insider still believes Robert Saleh will return to 49ers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen recently withdrew from the Jacksonville Jaguars' head coaching search, choosing to remain in Tampa. This decision has boosted Robert Saleh's chances of landing the Jaguars' head coach opening—a position that might seem... -
Robert Saleh watch: Latest Buccaneers news could benefit 49ers
Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh is scheduled to participate in his second interview for the Jacksonville Jaguars' head coaching vacancy on Friday. However, there's a possibility that the Jaguars could cancel the interview or merely make it a formality. That depends... -
49ers' wait for Robert Saleh continues; Jaguars schedule second interview
The San Francisco 49ers' wait continues. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh is set to have a second interview with the Jacksonville Jaguars as the team narrows its search for a new head coach. Former #Jets head coach Robert Saleh...