The Robert Saleh interview watch has officially kicked off. According to head coach Kyle Shanahan, the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator is scheduled to interview virtually with the Atlanta Falcons on Monday. Per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Saleh will interview with the Detroit Lions on Thursday.
The Lions are planning to interview Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy today, interim coach Darrell Bevell on Tuesday and 49ers DC Robert Saleh on Thursday for their HC position, I'm told.
Detroit is expected to interview Titans OC Arthur Smith and Saints AHC Dan Campbell next week.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 4, 2021
As noted by Breer, Saleh is one of several candidates who the Lions are considering for their head-coaching vacancy. Although, many consider him the favorite to land the job.
Saleh has spent the past four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. His injury-ravaged defense was still good enough to rank No. 4 in passing yards allowed, No. 5 in total yards allowed, and No. 7 in rushing yards allowed this season.
Saleh's defense last season was among the best in the league and helped lift the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance.
"I was very happy with what he did throughout the whole year," Shanahan said of Saleh after Sunday's 26-23 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. "I would be very surprised if we don't lose him. I don't know what's wrong with people if they don't hire him. I mean, he's as good as you can get, and he knows more about football, all three phases, and he's going to hire the best staff, knows about players, he knows what they're talking about, who doesn't know what they're talking about, and he also knows how to deal with people."