The Arizona Cardinals are moving deeper into their head coaching search, and one familiar name is back in the mix: 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. According to league reports, the Cardinals are scheduling a second interview with Saleh, signaling that he’s firmly in the running for the job. He’s not just in the conversation in Arizona either - Saleh is also a finalist for the Titans’ head coaching vacancy, making him one of the hottest names on the market this cycle.
Saleh, 46, has been through the NFL coaching grind. He got his start back in 2005 with the Texans as a defensive intern, and from there, he climbed the ladder - from assistant linebackers coach in Houston to defensive quality control in Seattle, then linebackers coach in Jacksonville.
His big break came in 2017 when the 49ers handed him the keys to their defense. That unit quickly became one of the league’s most feared, and it helped launch Saleh into his first head coaching role with the Jets in 2021.
His time in New York, though, didn’t go as planned. Over four seasons, the Jets went 20-36 under Saleh, never cracking the playoff picture. He was let go after the 2024 season and returned to San Francisco in 2025, taking over again as defensive coordinator.
This past season, his 49ers defense was a mixed bag - 13th in points allowed, 20th in total yards given up, 11th against the run, and 25th versus the pass. So while the overall numbers don’t scream dominance, Saleh’s leadership and schematic acumen still carry weight around the league, especially among front offices looking to build a culture and identity on the defensive side of the ball.
The Cardinals are casting a wide net in their search. Here’s where things stand with their current list of candidates:
- Robert Saleh, 49ers DC (Interviewed, second interview scheduled)
- Anthony Weaver, Dolphins DC (Scheduled)
- Vance Joseph, Broncos DC (Requested)
- Klint Kubiak, Seahawks OC (Scheduled)
- Thomas Brown, Patriots passing game coordinator (Requested)
- Matt Nagy, Chiefs OC (Interviewed)
- Raheem Morris, former Falcons HC (Scheduled)
- Mike LaFleur, Rams OC (Requested)
- Chris Shula, Rams DC (Requested)
- Arthur Smith, Steelers OC (Requested)
- Matt Burke, Texans DC (Requested)
It’s a diverse mix of experience and coaching backgrounds - from seasoned coordinators to former head coaches, and even a few up-and-coming offensive minds. But Saleh’s inclusion in the second-round interview stage suggests the Cardinals see something beyond just his résumé - they see a leader who can reset the tone in Arizona.
Whether or not he lands the job, Saleh’s quick re-emergence as a top candidate says a lot about how he’s viewed in NFL circles. He’s been through the highs and lows, and now he’s back in the spotlight, with multiple teams considering him to lead the next phase of their franchise.