Ravens join Cardinals, Falcons, and Titans in pursuit of Saleh. His impressive defensive acumen makes him a top NFL head coaching candidate.
Robert Saleh’s return to San Francisco as defensive coordinator has proved that he can truly make the most of the situation. Saleh all season has done more with less and coached up guys who are playing in place of All-Pros like Fred Warner and Nick Bosa. In doing so he has firmly reestablished himself as one of the most sought-after head coaching candidates in the NFL.
After earlier reports that the Arizona Cardinals had already reached out to Saleh regarding their head coaching vacancy, further developments this week confirm that interest in the former Jets head coach is only intensifying.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Baltimore Ravens have formally requested an interview with Saleh following the franchise’s decision to part ways with longtime head coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons. The request immediately places Saleh at the center of one of the most high-profile coaching openings of this cycle.
By league rule, Saleh cannot participate in interviews until next week, a structure designed to allow coordinators on playoff teams to remain focused on their current responsibilities. When asked Thursday about balancing postseason preparation with mounting interest from around the league, Saleh made it clear where his attention remains.
“The league has done a nice job structuring the interview process, allowing focus on the job at hand,” Saleh said. “Haven’t thought about it. I know things come in but don’t have to deal with it until next week.”
That measured approach aligns with reports from December suggesting Saleh would be selective this time around. After his stint with the New York Jets ended with his firing during the 2024 season, Saleh made it known he wasn’t interested in rushing back into another situation unless it was the right fit.
The Ravens’ opening, however, would be hard for any candidate to ignore.
Baltimore offers a rare blend of history, talent, and competitive opportunity. When healthy, the Ravens boast one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in Lamar Jackson, a former MVP capable of elevating an offense on his own. The roster also features cornerstone defensive pieces like Kyle Hamilton, a versatile chess piece who would seemingly thrive in Saleh’s aggressive, disciplined defensive system.
From a competitive standpoint, Baltimore has also proven to be one of the league’s most consistently competitive franchises, regularly positioning itself as a playoff contender.
The Ravens aren’t alone in their pursuit.
Earlier Thursday, both the Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans were reported to have requested interviews with Saleh as well, further cementing his status as one of the hottest names in this year’s coaching cycle. The volume of interest underscores how much Saleh’s reputation has rebounded since returning to San Francisco.
Around the league, Saleh is once again viewed through the lens that earned him his first head coaching opportunity. He is a culture builder, defensive architect, and leader of men. His recent comments about the loneliness of being a head coach, and the lessons he learned during his time with the Jets, suggest a coach better prepared for a second opportunity.
Perhaps most notably, Saleh has openly acknowledged what he would do differently next time, including taking a more hands on role in calling defensive plays which is something he did not do in New York.
For now, though, Saleh remains focused on the task in front of him. He is focused on doing his part in guiding the 49ers defense through the postseason. Interviews will come soon enough. Judging by the expanding list of interested teams, Saleh won’t be short on options when they do.