The Tennessee Titans are closing in on their next head coach, and it looks like they’re turning to a familiar name with a defensive pedigree. According to reports, the Titans are working to finalize a deal with 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, marking what would be his second stint as an NFL head coach.
Saleh had a second interview with the Titans on Monday, and while he was scheduled to meet with the Cardinals next, Tennessee appears to have made a decisive move to bring him on board. It’s a significant step for a franchise looking to reset its identity after a stretch of underwhelming results.
There was growing chatter that Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy might be the frontrunner for the job, but the Titans clearly saw something compelling in Saleh’s vision for the team. And it’s not hard to understand why. Saleh brings a fiery presence, a deep understanding of defensive football, and a track record of leadership that resonates in locker rooms.
Let’s rewind a bit and look at the journey that brought Saleh to this point.
He broke into the NFL coaching ranks back in 2005 with the Houston Texans as a defensive intern. From there, he climbed the ladder steadily, serving as an assistant linebackers coach before joining the Seahawks in 2011 as a defensive quality control coach. That stint in Seattle put him in the orbit of the famed Legion of Boom era, and it helped shape his aggressive, high-energy defensive philosophy.
Saleh later spent three seasons as the Jaguars’ linebackers coach before landing his first coordinator role with the 49ers in 2017. That tenure was highlighted by the 2019 season, when San Francisco’s defense was among the league’s elite and helped carry the team to a Super Bowl appearance.
His performance in San Francisco earned him the Jets’ head coaching job in 2021. But his time in New York didn’t go as planned.
Over four seasons, the Jets went 20-36 under Saleh, never reaching the postseason. He was let go after the 2024 season and returned to the Bay Area in 2025 to once again lead the 49ers’ defense.
This past season, San Francisco’s defense had its ups and downs. They ranked 13th in points allowed, 20th in total yards allowed, 11th against the run, and 25th against the pass. Not elite numbers, but they held their own in key moments and remained a physical, fundamentally sound unit - hallmarks of a Saleh-coached defense.
Now, he gets another shot at the big chair - this time in Nashville.
The Titans conducted an extensive search, casting a wide net across both offensive and defensive minds. Here’s a look at the full list of candidates they considered:
- Matt Nagy (Chiefs OC)
- Jeff Hafley (Packers DC)
- Mike McCarthy (Former Cowboys HC)
- Steve Spagnuolo (Chiefs DC)
- Lou Anarumo (Colts DC)
- Vance Joseph (Broncos DC)
- Raheem Morris (Former Falcons HC)
- Jason Garrett (Former Cowboys HC)
- Arthur Smith (Steelers OC)
- Mike McDaniel (Former Dolphins HC)
- Mike McCoy (Interim HC)
- Jonathan Gannon (Former Cardinals HC)
- Brian Daboll (Former Giants HC)
- Kliff Kingsbury (Former Commanders OC)
- Chris Shula (Rams DC)
- Jesse Minter (Chargers DC)
It’s a list packed with experience, from Super Bowl-winning coordinators to former head coaches. But in the end, the Titans leaned toward Saleh - a coach who’s known for his motivational fire, his defensive acumen, and his ability to command a room.
This hire signals a potential shift in philosophy for Tennessee. After years of leaning on physical football and a run-first identity, the Titans may be looking to build from the defense out, with Saleh tasked with creating a culture of toughness and accountability.
It’s a second chance for Saleh - and a fresh start for the Titans. Now, the real work begins.