When they re-hired Robert Saleh to be their defensive coordinator the San Francisco 49ers put themselves in a precarious position.
Saleh was originally hired as the 49ers’ DC in 2017 when head coach Kyle Shanahan took over. He held that position through the 2020 season before leaving to become the head coach of the New York Jets. DeMeco Ryans took over for two seasons before leaving to become the head coach of the Houston Texans − the 49ers’ Week 8 opponent.
The 49ers hired Steve Wilks to replace Ryans. He lasted only one season before giving way to Nick Sorensen. Sorensen struggled and was fired after one season. Saleh was back on the market after being fired by the Jets midway through the 2024 campaign and the 49ers were quick to identify him as their preferred DC.
While Saleh has done a tremendous job in his return to San Francisco, his time with the club may be short. His success will surely put him on the short list for any team needing a new head coach this offseason, and Saleh was mum on whether he’d take a head coaching job if given the opportunity this offseason.
“End game is trying to find a win on Sunday,” Saleh said in a Thursday press conference. “We’ll go from there.”
It’s not a huge surprise he sidestepped the question, but his future intentions were clear this offseason when he kept the 49ers on hold while he pursued the head coaching vacancy with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
San Francisco would love to keep Saleh around long-term. He fits their ethos perfectly and his track record of success makes him one of the NFL’s very best defensive coordinators. Look no further than the job he’s done this year despite a rash of injuries to key players on that side of the ball for the 49ers.
However, it’s also very clear Saleh is aiming for another shot at running a team after a disastrous stint in New York where he went 20-36 and never won more than seven games in a season. If that opportunity arises next offseason, the 49ers may find themselves looking for a fourth DC in four years.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers DC mum on desire to become an NFL head coach again after failing with New York Jets
Reporting by Kyle Madson, Niners Wire / Niners Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
