Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh is scheduled to participate in his second interview for the Jacksonville Jaguars' head coaching vacancy on Friday. However, there's a possibility that the Jaguars could cancel the interview or merely make it a formality. That depends on how Wednesday's interview with another candidate goes.
RELATED 49ers' wait for Robert Saleh continues; Jaguars schedule second interview
On Wednesday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen will have his second interview, and one report suggests the Buccaneers are preparing for his potential departure.
"[T]here's a growing belief that it's Coen's job to lose," wrote Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. "Not only were the Jaguars impressed with the 39-year-old offensive coordinator when he interviewed virtually a week ago, he's also most equipped to resurrect the career of quarterback Trevor Lawrence."
Under Coen's guidance, quarterback Baker Mayfield enjoyed a career-best season in 2024, throwing for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns while completing an impressive 71.4% of his passes.
While Stroud acknowledges that Saleh would bring a strong culture to Jacksonville, the Jaguars might prefer an offensive-minded coach who can better develop their $55-million-per-year quarterback, Trevor Lawrence.
If the Jaguars pass on Saleh, it could be great news for the San Francisco 49ers, who are closely monitoring the situation. Head coach Kyle Shanahan is reportedly eager to reunite with his former defensive coordinator.
Matt Barrows of The Athletic states that the 49ers are prepared to make Saleh the NFL's highest-paid defensive coordinator.
Saleh served as the 49ers' defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020, playing a pivotal role in their journey to Super Bowl LIV during the 2019 season. Shanahan clearly feels that reuniting with Saleh would be a major win for the 49ers as they look to strengthen their coaching staff after a disappointing 6-11 season.