Robert Saleh’s Defensive Masterclass Could Lead Him Right Back to the Top - Maybe Even in San Francisco
Robert Saleh isn’t flying under the radar anymore. Not after the season he’s had.
Back in the Bay as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator, Saleh has done more than just steady the ship-he’s steered it through stormy waters with a patchwork crew and still managed to keep it competitive. The 49ers’ defense has been ravaged by injuries, but thanks to Saleh’s steady hand, it hasn’t unraveled. In fact, it’s held firm in moments when it had every excuse not to.
And now, the league is watching. Again.
Holding the Line Without the Stars
Let’s talk about what Saleh’s been working with. Nick Bosa went down in Week 3.
Fred Warner followed not long after. Tatum Bethune, Nick Martin, Luke Gifford-all out.
By the time the postseason rolled around, San Francisco was fielding a defense made up of practice squad call-ups and rookies thrown into the fire. Most teams would’ve folded under that kind of attrition.
Saleh’s group didn’t.
In back-to-back games, they held playoff-bound Seattle and Philadelphia to a combined 32 points. Against the Eagles, the defense gave up just six points in the second half-on the road, in a hostile environment, with a unit that had no business being that effective on paper.
That’s not just scheming. That’s leadership.
That’s a coach getting buy-in from every level of the depth chart, simplifying responsibilities, and trusting his players to execute. Saleh didn’t overcomplicate things.
He stayed disciplined in coverage, avoided the temptation to blitz recklessly, and focused on sound fundamentals. The result?
A defense that bent but didn’t break-and kept San Francisco in games it had no business controlling.
This Time, It’s About the Right Fit
Saleh’s already had his shot at a head coaching gig with the Jets. That was a risk he had to take.
But now, he’s in a different position. This isn’t about getting his foot in the door.
It’s about finding the right door.
He’s already lined up interviews with at least five teams, and that number could grow. But not every job is created equal.
Some of the openings-like Arizona or Tennessee-come with major roster questions and long-term rebuilds. Saleh doesn’t need to jump into a situation that’s unstable or unclear.
He’s earned the right to be selective.
And that’s why staying in San Francisco for another season might not just be the fallback-it might be the smart play.
Why Staying Makes Sense
Saleh came back to the 49ers knowing what he was walking into: a defense in transition, young players needing development, and a culture he helped build during his first stint. What he couldn’t have known was just how much adversity he’d face. But that challenge might be exactly what keeps him here a little longer.
If the Niners get healthy in 2026-and that’s a big if-Saleh could be coaching his most complete unit yet. The trust is already there.
Kyle Shanahan believes in him. The players respond to him.
And in a league where continuity is rare, that kind of stability matters.
Waiting another year doesn’t hurt his stock. If anything, it enhances it. Another season of doing more with less would only reinforce the idea that Saleh isn’t just a good coach-he’s one of the best available.
The League Will Keep Calling
Sure, teams will keep making calls. The Raiders are an obvious fit.
So are other franchises with cap space and top draft picks. Saleh is part of the Shanahan-McVay coaching tree, and that carries weight.
He wouldn’t have trouble putting together a strong staff, especially on offense.
But those opportunities don’t vanish if he stays put. If anything, another strong year in San Francisco might make him an even more attractive candidate next cycle.
A coach who’s proven he can adapt, develop talent, and keep a defense competitive under the worst of circumstances? That’s gold in today’s NFL.
One More Year? It’s Not That Far-Fetched
Nothing’s guaranteed. All it takes is one owner with a vision and a good pitch to change everything. But right now, it feels just as likely that Saleh looks around, sees what he’s building, and decides he’s not done yet.
There’s unfinished business in San Francisco. And if Saleh decides to see it through, it wouldn’t be surprising-it might just be the smartest move on the board.