Saleh's coaching journey ignites new interest. With a fresh representation team, he's a prime candidate, even with a complex New York tenure.
Robert Saleh’s name is once again circulating in NFL head coaching conversations.
The San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator, who previously served as head coach of the New York Jets, has hired a new representation team, a move that often signals preparation for the league’s annual hiring cycle. The change in management was first noted on social media and comes as Saleh has already drawn interest from teams searching for their next head coach.
Saleh has reportedly been requested to interview with the Arizona Cardinals, an early indicator that league decision-makers are willing to revisit his candidacy after a difficult first head coaching stint, that maybe wasn’t so much him as it was a poorly managed franchise.
A Complicated First Run in New York
Saleh was hired by the Jets in January 2021 and was fired during the 2024 season, ending a tenure that never fully found its footing. While defensive improvement was evident at times, offensive instability, quarterback injuries, and organizational dysfunction plagued his time in New York.
Notably, Saleh did not call defensive plays during his Jets tenure which is a decision he has since acknowledged he would handle differently.
“There’s a lot of things I’d do differently,” Saleh said previously. “One of the biggest things I’m going to do is I’m going to call [plays].”
That reflection has become an important part of how Saleh frames his growth as a head coaching candidate.
A Return to Familiar Ground in San Francisco
After his tenure in New York, Saleh returned to San Francisco, rejoining Kyle Shanahan’s staff as defensive coordinator, a role he previously held from 2017–2020. Since then, the 49ers’ defense has regained its edge, with Saleh once again regarded as one of the league’s most respected defensive minds.
But his influence extends beyond the field.
Saleh has spoken openly about supporting Shanahan through the grind of being a head coach, offering perspective few coordinators can provide.
“Being the head coach is lonely,” Saleh said.
He’s made it a point to check in with Shanahan during the week, especially when injuries or pressure mount.
“I try not to be too invasive but just being a helping hand when he needs me,” Saleh explained. “I can kind of feel when he feels like he has the world on his shoulders… and he just kind of needs a buddy to hang out with at lunch.”
That role has only reinforced Saleh’s understanding of the job he hopes to hold again.
The Desire Is Still There But Not the Desperation
Saleh has never hidden his long term ambitions. He has made it clear that, like most coordinators in the NFL, the ultimate goal is to lead an organization.
“Everyone wants to be at the top of their profession,” Saleh said. “Is my desire to get to the top of the profession and hoist the Lombardi one day? Absolutely.”
At the same time, he’s been careful to strike a measured tone.
“Am I in a hurry? No. I love it here. Obviously, the desire is there, but at the same time, it’s not desperation.”
That balance of ambition without urgency may resonate with teams seeking leadership experience without panic.
What the Agency Move Signals
Hiring new representation doesn’t guarantee a job change, but in NFL circles, it rarely happens by accident. It positions Saleh for interviews, messaging, and negotiations should opportunities arise.
With interest from Arizona already emerging and more interviews likely as the cycle unfolds, Saleh appears to be doing exactly what he said he would: staying ready without forcing the moment.
For now, he remains focused on the 49ers’ defense. But league-wide, the message is clear that Robert Saleh intends to be a head coach again, and this time, he plans to do it on his terms.