Robert Saleh Interviews with Cardinals: Can His Defensive Vision Spark a Turnaround in Arizona?
GLENDALE - The Arizona Cardinals took another step forward in their head coaching search, wrapping up an interview with San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh late Thursday. And from everything we’re hearing, Saleh isn’t just another name on the list-he’s emerging as a serious frontrunner for the job.
Saleh brings a resume that checks off a lot of boxes: prior head coaching experience, a proven track record as a defensive architect, and a clear vision for how he wants to run a team. But this time around, he’s setting the terms. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, one of Saleh’s key conditions for accepting his next head coaching job is the ability to call the defense himself.
That might raise eyebrows in some front offices, but for Saleh, it’s personal. During his stint as head coach of the New York Jets, he handed off defensive play-calling duties-a decision he now reportedly views as a misstep.
The result? A sense of disconnect from the unit that once defined his coaching identity.
He doesn’t want to make that mistake again.
And honestly, based on what he’s done in San Francisco this past season, it’s hard to argue with him.
Saleh took over a 49ers defense that ranked 29th in points allowed in 2024. One year later, they climbed all the way to 13th.
That kind of turnaround doesn’t just happen-it’s the product of a coach who understands scheme, personnel, and in-game adjustments at a high level. It’s also a sign that when Saleh has full control of the defense, he knows exactly how to elevate it.
Now take a look at the Cardinals. In 2025, they were-coincidentally-29th in points allowed, mirroring the situation Saleh inherited in San Francisco.
The parallels are hard to ignore. Arizona’s defense isn’t devoid of talent, but the unit was ravaged by injuries in the second half of the season, making consistency a major issue.
Still, there are enough pieces in place to believe that with the right leadership-and the right play-caller-the defense could make a leap.
If Saleh is hired and granted the ability to run the defense his way, the Cardinals could see immediate improvement on that side of the ball. His sideline energy is well-documented, but it’s his attention to detail and ability to maximize individual roles within a system that makes him such a compelling candidate.
The question now is whether Arizona’s front office is willing to meet his demand. Some organizations prefer their head coach to take a more CEO-style approach, delegating play-calling duties to coordinators.
But in this case, giving Saleh the reins might be the smartest move they can make. After all, if you're hiring a coach known for his defensive brilliance, why not let him do what he does best?
This is a pivotal moment for the Cardinals. After another disappointing season, they need a leader who can not only change the culture but also deliver results-especially on defense.
Saleh’s track record suggests he can do both. And if Arizona is serious about turning things around in 2026, letting him call the shots on defense might be the first step in the right direction.