Could Robert Saleh Be the Answer in Las Vegas? A Familiar Face May Be on the Raiders’ Radar
Robert Saleh knows exactly what’s at stake.
After a rocky run as head coach of the New York Jets, the current 49ers defensive coordinator is back in his element, leading one of the league’s toughest, most resilient defenses. But the head coaching itch never really goes away-especially for someone who’s tasted it before.
And for Saleh, the next opportunity has to be the right one. Because if it goes sideways again, he may not get another shot.
That’s why he’s going to be methodical about his next move. He has to be.
There are already a couple of confirmed openings-Tennessee and New York (the Giants) have moved on from Brian Callahan and Brian Daboll, respectively. And more vacancies could be coming as the season winds down and teams reassess.
But Saleh isn’t just looking for a job. He’s looking for a situation.
A stable front office. A roster he can build with.
A vision that aligns with his own.
And that’s where the Las Vegas Raiders enter the chat.
The Raiders’ Mess-and the Opportunity Within It
Las Vegas swung for the fences in 2025 by hiring Pete Carroll, hoping the former Seahawks coach could bring some order to the chaos. Instead, it’s been a season to forget.
At 2-10, the Raiders are sitting near the bottom of the league in both scoring offense and defensive efficiency. The fallout has already begun-key assistants have been let go, including offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, a name familiar to 49ers fans.
Carroll himself is now on the hot seat, and it’s not hard to imagine owner Mark Davis deciding to hit the reset button again after just one year.
If that happens, don’t be surprised if Saleh’s name resurfaces in Vegas.
In fact, this wouldn’t be the first time the Raiders have looked his way. Before Carroll was hired, Saleh was reportedly in the mix for the job. And given how well he’s performed this season with a young, injury-riddled 49ers defense, Davis might be second-guessing his previous decision.
Saleh has taken a group that’s been far from full strength and molded it into a unit that plays fast, hits hard, and rarely breaks. That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed, especially in a league where defensive identity can still win you games-if not championships.
Why the Raiders Might Make Sense for Saleh
If the Raiders do make a change, there’s a compelling case for Saleh as a fit-schematically and culturally.
First, the personnel. Saleh’s defensive roots trace back to the same 4-3 Under scheme Carroll made famous in Seattle.
That means many of the Raiders’ current defensive pieces could carry over without a complete philosophical overhaul. Continuity matters, especially when you’re trying to rebuild a locker room that’s been through multiple resets.
Second, Saleh would likely want significant input on the offensive side of the ball. The Raiders’ offense is in dire need of a reboot, and Saleh would have the opportunity to handpick a coordinator who aligns with his vision. That includes finding a quarterback to replace Geno Smith, who hasn’t been the long-term answer.
And then there’s the big one: stability.
Saleh has seen what instability can do to a coaching tenure-he lived it in New York. And he’s watched it unfold across the league. In Vegas, Davis has been quick to move on from coaches, including Antonio Pierce and Mike McDaniel, both of whom were shown the door before they could get their footing.
Saleh would almost certainly push for a longer-term commitment-think five or six years, not the standard three. That’s what Kyle Shanahan demanded when he took over in San Francisco, and it gave the 49ers the runway they needed to build something sustainable. Saleh would want the same kind of backing before signing on.
The Bottom Line
The Raiders are at a crossroads. Their 2025 season has been a disaster, and another coaching change feels inevitable. If and when that happens, Robert Saleh is a name to watch.
He won’t jump at just any opportunity. But if Las Vegas is willing to give him the time, the roster input, and the organizational support he needs, this could be the kind of second chance that works-for both sides.
Saleh knows what failure looks like. He’s lived it.
Now, he’s coaching like someone who’s learned from it. And if the Raiders are serious about turning the page, he might just be the steady hand they’ve been searching for.