When the NFL coaching carousel starts spinning again this offseason, Robert Saleh’s name is expected to be front and center. The San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator is no stranger to head coaching buzz - and for good reason.
But this time around, GM John Lynch isn’t just bracing for the possibility of losing him. He’s actively working to keep him in the Bay.
Despite a season riddled with injuries, Saleh has been a stabilizing force on the Niners’ sideline. His defense hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been resilient - and that’s no small feat when you’re dealing with rotating personnel and playoff expectations. As the 49ers gear up for a postseason run, Lynch made it clear just how much value he places on Saleh’s presence.
“We can make it very attractive for him to stay and we plan on doing that,” Lynch said, underscoring the front office’s commitment to retaining one of the league’s most respected defensive minds.
Let’s be clear: the numbers don’t tell the full story, but they do offer some insight. Heading into Week 17, the 49ers rank 18th in total defense, giving up 332.2 yards per game.
That’s middle of the pack, but dig a little deeper and you’ll see where the strength lies. Against the run, they’re among the league’s best - eighth overall, allowing just 102.9 yards per game.
The pass defense? That’s been the Achilles heel, ranking 23rd and giving up 229.3 yards per outing.
Still, there’s confidence in the building that Saleh can tighten things up when it matters most - in January.
And that belief isn’t just about this season. Saleh’s résumé speaks for itself.
He’s been coaching in the NFL since 2005, and his leadership chops earned him a shot as head coach of the New York Jets from 2021 to 2024. While his record in New York - 20-36 - won’t turn heads on its own, context matters.
He dealt with a revolving door at quarterback and never quite got the offensive consistency needed to complement his defensive acumen. Even so, plenty of teams around the league see a coach who’s ready for another shot at the top job.
That’s the challenge facing Lynch and the 49ers. If - or more likely, when - the offers come calling, they’ll have to convince Saleh that staying put is the better move.
That’ll take more than just a competitive salary. It’ll take vision, trust, and a clear role in the franchise’s future.
But if anyone can make that pitch, it’s Lynch. He knows what Saleh brings not just schematically, but culturally.
He’s a leader, a motivator, and a tone-setter. And in a league where defensive coordinators with head coaching experience don’t stay on the market for long, the 49ers are doing everything they can to make sure Saleh doesn’t walk out the door - at least not without a serious conversation first.