The San Francisco 49ers made plenty of moves last offseason, but none may have been more impactful than bringing Robert Saleh back into the fold. Reuniting with the former Jets head coach-now back in the Bay as defensive coordinator-has paid serious dividends, especially as the Niners navigate a season riddled with injuries and an influx of rookie contributors.
Saleh’s fingerprints are all over this defense. In the past two weeks alone, San Francisco has held the Seahawks and Eagles to a combined 32 points-an impressive feat when you consider the offensive firepower both teams bring to the table. That kind of performance isn’t just about talent; it’s about preparation, discipline, and a coach who knows how to get the most out of his players when it matters most.
But here’s the thing: Saleh’s resurgence on the Niners sideline hasn’t gone unnoticed. With multiple NFL teams in the market for a new head coach, his name is once again climbing the rumor mill. And while he’s made it clear that he’s putting off any interviews until after San Francisco’s divisional-round clash with Seattle, that hasn’t stopped speculation from swirling-particularly around the Las Vegas Raiders.
According to reports, the Raiders have long had Saleh on their radar. His current work with the 49ers has only strengthened his case, especially in the eyes of front offices looking for a culture-changer.
Sure, his time with the Jets didn’t produce the results some hoped for, but let’s be honest: that franchise hasn’t exactly been a launching pad for coaching success. Around the league, decision-makers seem willing to look past that chapter and focus on what Saleh is doing now-crafting a tough, resilient defense in the midst of adversity.
Vegas, meanwhile, is in need of a reset. After a forgettable one-year stint under Pete Carroll, the Raiders are back in the market for a leader who can bring stability and vision to a franchise that’s been spinning its wheels. They’ve got assets-namely the No. 1 overall pick in April’s draft and a healthy chunk of cap space-which makes the job more appealing than your typical rebuild.
And here’s where Saleh’s connections come into play. He’s part of the well-respected Shanahan/McVay coaching tree, which means he’s got a deep bench of offensive minds he could potentially bring with him. If he lands in Vegas, don’t be surprised if he brings in a creative offensive coordinator to help develop a young quarterback like Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, who’s been linked to the Raiders in early draft projections.
One name floated as a possible offensive addition? Mike McDaniel.
The former Dolphins head coach and longtime Shanahan collaborator worked alongside Saleh during their first run in San Francisco. A reunion in the desert isn’t out of the question-especially if Saleh is looking to build a balanced, forward-thinking staff.
Of course, all of this remains hypothetical until the 49ers’ postseason run concludes. For now, Saleh is locked in on helping San Francisco chase another Super Bowl. But if the defense keeps showing up the way it has, don’t be surprised if his phone starts ringing the moment the Niners’ season ends.
And for 49ers fans? They’re hoping that call doesn’t come-or at least, that Saleh doesn’t answer it. Because what he’s building with this defense feels like the start of something special.