San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman has never hesitated in expressing his confidence in defensive coordinator Robert Saleh's ability to lead an NFL team. The Detroit Lions have a head-coaching vacancy, and many in NFL circles feel Saleh could end up being the leading candidate for the job.
"He has to get the Detroit job," Sherman recently told Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer. "Homegrown. He's a great leader of men. And he's not stubborn. He doesn't just think he has all the answers. He comes up with a great plan and evolves it with his players. ... We battle for that man! He's a great human being. Makes you want to fight for him."
Sherman isn't the only one ready to praise his defensive coordinator. Peter King of NBC Sports asked linebacker Fred Warner if he agrees with Sherman's assessment of Saleh.
"One-hundred percent. One-thousand percent," Warner told King. "He's been such a huge part of this team, he's so decisive in what he expects from this defense, he leaves no gray area for us. He's such a smart coach in the way he's been able to lead our group."
Saleh's defense enters Monday night's game against the Buffalo Bills ranked No. 5 in yards allowed per game, No. 4 against the pass, No. 10 against the run, and No. 11 in points allowed. That, of course, is despite working with an injury-ravaged roster for much of the season. Saleh's ability to keep the unit focused and producing in the face of adversity has been an impressive achievement.
"I have no doubt he'd be an amazing head coach," Warner continued. "So I'm looking forward to the time where he does get the opportunity. But for now, he's gonna lead us, and lead us to playing good."
King also has faith in Saleh's ability to command an NFL squad of his own. It seems less and less likely that head coach Kyle Shanahan will be able to retain his talented defensive coordinator beyond this season.
Wrote King: "If you ask me for the assistant coach I believe is the closest to a lock to get a head coaching job, it's Saleh. Outside of his lack of offensive background, he checks every box."