Robert Saleh Emerges as a Name to Watch in Buffalo’s Coaching Search
The Buffalo Bills are officially in the market for a new head coach. With Sean McDermott out after another playoff run that fell short of Super Bowl expectations, the pressure now shifts to newly promoted President of Football Operations and GM Brandon Beane. He’s tasked with finding the leader who can push this franchise over the hump.
Buffalo becomes the latest-and likely final-team to join this year’s head coaching carousel, which already includes 10 clubs looking to reset at the top. Two jobs have been filled, but with marquee candidates starting to come off the board, timing could be a factor. John Harbaugh and Kevin Stefanski are no longer options, leaving Beane to navigate a narrowing field.
But make no mistake: the Bills still have one of the most attractive openings in the league. That’s what happens when you’ve got a 27-year-old franchise quarterback in Josh Allen, smack in the middle of his prime.
Allen alone makes this a job that will draw serious interest. The challenge is finding the right coach to maximize what’s left of this Super Bowl window.
And one name worth circling? Robert Saleh.
A Familiar Face from the AFC East
Bills fans know Saleh well from his time with the New York Jets. He was the man on the other sideline for several hard-fought AFC East matchups between 2021 and 2024. While his Jets tenure ended early in the 2024 season, just before a Monday night showdown with Buffalo, Saleh’s defenses had their moments-especially against Josh Allen.
In fact, the Jets' only two wins over the Bills since 2019 came under Saleh’s watch. In those games, Saleh’s defense forced Allen into five interceptions and held him to just one touchdown pass. Say what you will about the overall record, but Saleh’s ability to scheme against one of the league’s top quarterbacks didn’t go unnoticed.
Of course, Saleh’s stint in New York was marred by more than just game results. The never-ending Aaron Rodgers saga, a carousel of offensive struggles, and organizational dysfunction all played a role in his exit. But that wasn’t the end of the road.
A Rebound Year with the 49ers
Saleh got another shot in 2025, returning to the San Francisco 49ers-where he first made his name as a defensive coordinator. Despite a season riddled with injuries on both sides of the ball, Saleh helped guide the Niners to the league’s 13th-ranked scoring defense.
Seven times this season, his unit held opponents under 20 points. That’s no small feat given the revolving door of personnel.
For context, McDermott’s final Bills defense finished just one spot ahead of Saleh’s in points allowed. While Buffalo remained elite against the pass, their run defense plummeted to 28th in the league. That kind of imbalance won’t cut it in January.
If Saleh were to take over in Buffalo, he’d inherit a defense that’s talented but in flux. Veterans like Joey Bosa, Matt Milano, Shaq Thompson and Tre’Davious White are all set to hit free agency.
And with the Bills already tight against the cap, Beane will need to work some financial magic just to keep the core intact. Any incoming coach, Saleh included, will have to navigate that reality.
What Makes Saleh a Realistic Option?
There’s been some buzz that Buffalo might lean toward an offensive-minded hire to pair with Allen. That’s certainly a possibility.
But a coach like Saleh brings a different kind of value-one rooted in defensive identity, culture-building, and playoff-caliber preparation. He’s already interviewed with the Titans, Ravens, Dolphins and Cardinals.
Now that his season with the 49ers is over, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Bills add their name to that list.
Buffalo isn’t just another opening. It’s one of the few jobs that can go toe-to-toe with the likes of Baltimore or Pittsburgh in terms of talent, infrastructure, and expectations. That makes it a real destination for top-tier candidates.
Saleh might not be the first name on every fan’s wishlist, but he’s a proven leader who’s earned respect across the league. He’s shown he can build a defense from the ground up, handle adversity, and challenge elite offenses-even when the deck is stacked against him.
Now, with Buffalo entering a pivotal offseason, his name is one to keep close. The right hire could be the difference between another playoff disappointment and a long-awaited return to the Super Bowl.