49ers rumor from ESPN insider reveals Robert Saleh's head coaching market

Despite missing their two biggest defensive stars, edge rusher Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner, the San Francisco 49ers' defense has still been a strength in 2025, and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh deserves most of the credit for the unit's success.

Without Bosa or Warner, San Francisco's defense is still a top-ten scoring defense, allowing just 20.8 points per game. Saleh has done a fantastic job getting the most out of his players and coaching with high energy, which has led to the 49ers' defensive coordinator landing a ton of head coaching interest.

A league source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that Saleh should be a strong candidate for multiple jobs around the league in 2026.

"I think he will get interviews and be considered a strong candidate," a league source said to Fowler. "[It's a] weak candidate pool. He has credentials and done a good job with an injured defense."

Saleh's first head-coaching stint with the New York Jets didn't go well, as he posted three straight losing seasons from 2021 to 2023 and was fired midway through the 2024 campaign. However, Saleh was placed in a horrible situation in New York, so there is an argument to be made that he deserves a second chance.

It also sounds like coaches and personnel around the league don't view Saleh any differently because of his failed Jets tenure.

"It showed what Robert [Saleh] had to overcome [with the Jets] and that it wasn't easy," the coach said to Fowler.

There are just two head coaching vacancies right now: the New York Giants and the Tennessee Titans. However, a few more should open up as the season comes to a close in the coming weeks. We'll see if Saleh decides to stay in San Francisco or leave for another chance at becoming a head coach.

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