The San Francisco 49ers were completely devastated by injuries last season and missed the playoffs entirely just one year after making the Super Bowl and coming within an overtime period of winning it.
Unfortunately, injuries hit the Niners hard once again this season. However, player after player, especially backup quarterback Mac Jones, stepped up, and the Niners are back in the playoffs, where they’re set to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
The defense responded admirably after losing arguably the best linebacker in the league, Fred Warner, to injury. A big part of San Francisco’s defensive success can be attributed to defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who joined the franchise after a failed stint as the head coach of the New York Jets.
Unfortunately for the Niners, it doesn’t appear as if Saleh’s stay will be very long, as he’s interviewing for another head coaching opportunity on the heels of his recent success, according to one prominent insider.
“The Titans and Falcons have put in requests to interview 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh for their head coaching jobs, per source. The Cardinals already requested Saleh, who can’t interview until next week,” reported Albert Breer.
The Titans and Falcons have put in requests to interview 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh for their head coaching jobs, per source. The Cardinals already requested Saleh, who can't interview until next week.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 8, 2026
Fans reacted to the news on social media.
“Because he was so great for the Jets. Jesus we are an unserious franchise,” one Titans fan wrote on Twitter.
“Because he did such a good job with Jets,” someone else added.
“Saleh and Thomas Brown are the only coaches from teams active on Wild Card Weekend, who got requests for now. Let’s see when things get going for guys like Minter, LaFleur, Shula or Udinski,” one fan added.
It’ll be interesting to see if Saleh does end up getting another chance to lead a franchise.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.