The Tennessee Titans are coming off a hard-fought 31-29 road win over the Cleveland Browns - just their second victory of the season - and now they head west to face a San Francisco 49ers team firmly entrenched in the NFC playoff picture at 9-4. The 49ers are rolling offensively, thanks in large part to Christian McCaffrey, who continues to redefine what it means to be a dual-threat back in today’s NFL.
He’s closing in on another 1,000-yard rushing and 1,000-yard receiving season - something only he has done before. If he pulls it off again, he’ll be the first player in league history to do it twice.
That’s rare air.
On the other side of the ball, San Francisco’s defense has battled through a wave of injuries, but don’t let that fool you - they’re still one of the stingiest units in the league, allowing just 20.8 points per game, good for eighth-best in the NFL. That kind of consistency, especially with key players missing time, speaks volumes about the leadership on that side of the ball. While head coach Kyle Shanahan gets plenty of well-earned praise for his offensive creativity, the defense has been shaped by the return of a familiar face: Robert Saleh.
Saleh’s back in the Bay after a whirlwind stint as the New York Jets’ head coach, a job he took after leaving San Francisco in 2021. His time in New York was eventful - especially with the arrival of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers - but it came to an abrupt end when he was let go after just five games this season.
Still, despite how things ended, Saleh’s reputation around the league hasn’t taken much of a hit. In fact, his name is already surfacing in head coaching conversations again, and one of the teams reportedly interested?
The very team he’ll be facing this Sunday: the Tennessee Titans.
So, what would a Robert Saleh-led Titans team look like? Let’s break it down.
The Energy Factor
One thing you can’t miss with Saleh is the energy. Whether it was during his first stint with the 49ers or his time in New York, Saleh has always worn his heart on his sleeve.
You’ve seen the sideline clips - fists pumping, chest out, sprinting down the sideline to celebrate a big defensive stop. That kind of passion is contagious.
Players respond to it. They know when a coach is genuinely invested in their success, and that kind of emotional buy-in can change the tone of a locker room.
For a Titans team that’s struggled at times to find its identity and energy, especially in a tough season like this one, that kind of leadership could be a spark. And for cornerstone players like Jeffery Simmons, who thrive under coaches that bring intensity and accountability, Saleh could be an ideal fit.
Defensive Identity: Aggressive, Adaptable, and Player-Centric
Saleh’s defensive philosophy is built around aggression - but not recklessness. He’s not a high-blitz guy by nature.
Instead, he prefers to generate pressure with his front four, letting his defensive line do the heavy lifting while keeping more defenders in coverage. But what really sets him apart is his adaptability.
He doesn’t force players into rigid roles; he tailors his scheme to the talent he has.
That’s been especially evident this season in San Francisco, where injuries have forced him to get creative. Still, he’s managed to keep the defense among the league’s best.
That’s a trait the Titans could use. Injuries have been a recurring theme in Tennessee as well, and a coach who can adjust on the fly and still get production out of his roster is invaluable.
Scheme Fit: 4-3 vs. 3-4
Saleh typically runs a 4-3 or 4-2-5 base defense - a shift from the 3-4 the Titans have used for years. That change wouldn’t just be cosmetic; it would require some real personnel evaluation. Players currently functioning as 3-4 outside linebackers would need to transition to hand-in-the-dirt defensive ends, or the team would need to bring in new talent to fit the mold.
But there’s potential here. With a pairing like T’Vondre Sweat and Jeffery Simmons anchoring the interior, the Titans could build a formidable run-stopping duo.
The question is whether the rest of the roster - particularly at edge and linebacker - can make the transition. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something any incoming coach, Saleh included, would need to address early.
The Bigger Piece: Developing Cam Ward
Of course, defense is only half the equation. If Saleh were to land in Tennessee, one of his most important decisions would be who he brings in as offensive coordinator. That hire would be critical, especially with Cam Ward - the No. 1 overall pick in 2025 - now the face of the franchise at quarterback.
Ward’s development is the franchise’s top priority, and while Saleh’s defensive acumen is well-documented, his success as a head coach would ultimately hinge on his ability to build the right offensive staff. The Titans need someone who can continue to mold Ward, refine his mechanics, expand his understanding of the game, and design a scheme that plays to his strengths. If Saleh can’t get that hire right, it won’t matter how good the defense is.
What’s Next?
Nothing is official yet. Saleh is just one of several names reportedly in the mix for the Titans’ head coaching job. But he’s a name to watch - especially this weekend, as he faces off against the very team that might be considering him for their top job.
The Titans are at a crossroads. They’ve got a young quarterback with big-time potential, a defense with some cornerstone pieces, and a fanbase hungry for a new era. If Robert Saleh gets the call, the vision he brings - high energy, defensive toughness, and a no-nonsense approach to maximizing talent - could be exactly what Tennessee needs to turn the page.