However, the 49ers could be a potential landing spot. Josina Anderson reported that if Saleh's head coaching opportunities fall through, a reunion with his former team might be on the horizon.
Saleh spent four seasons (2017–2020) as the 49ers' defensive coordinator before leaving to join the Jets. His tenure with the Jets ended on October 8, 2024, when he was fired after the team started the season with a 2-3 record.
ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler recently discussed Saleh's future, with Graziano viewing the 49ers as the leading contender to land the coach.
"A few people I've talked to expect former Jets head coach (and former 49ers defensive coordinator) Robert Saleh to be the favorite to land back in San Francisco to fill their open defensive coordinator position," Graziano wrote. "Saleh is also on the Jaguars' list of head coach interviewees, so one would assume he'd let that situation play out before taking a coordinator job."
Fowler expanded on Graziano's comments, noting that 49ers players are growing tired of the lack of continuity at defensive coordinator. The next coach to take the position would be the fourth in as many years, following DeMeco Ryans, Steve Wilks, and Nick Sorensen.
Fowler also pointed to interim Jets head coach Jeff Ulbrich, mentioning that the 49ers had sought permission to speak to him last year before hiring Sorensen. The Jets denied the request since it would have been a lateral move rather than a promotion.
"My understanding is San Francisco not only explored hiring Ulbrich last year but also put on the full-court press to recruit him," Fowler wrote. "Ulbrich was under contract and the Jets shut the possibility down."
The 49ers seem to be focusing on external candidates for their defensive coordinator vacancy. The only internal candidate being considered at this point is assistant head coach Brandon Staley. However, Fowler notes that Staley will also likely be considered for other NFL coordinator positions.
"There are other available, quality external candidates with 4-3 scheme expertise, from Allen to Eberflus to recently fired Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo," Fowler added. "This will be the top defensive coordinator job, at least based on current personnel."
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