NFL insider still believes Robert Saleh will return to 49ers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen recently withdrew from the Jacksonville Jaguars' head coaching search, choosing to remain in Tampa. This decision has boosted Robert Saleh's chances of landing the Jaguars' head coach opening—a position that might seem more attractive following the dismissal of general manager Trent Baalke.

According to Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard, the 49ers have at least considered the possibility of hiring Pete Carroll as their defensive coordinator, should Saleh secure the Jaguars' job. However, Carroll is also reportedly a candidate for the Las Vegas Raiders' head coaching vacancy.

When asked about the 49ers' plans to replace Nick Sorensen, who was recently let go from his role as defensive coordinator, NFL insider Michael Silver of The Athletic shared his thoughts. Silver still believes that head coach Kyle Shanahan will reunite with Saleh.

Saleh has a second interview with the Jaguars scheduled for Friday, so we'll probably learn more about where things stand over the weekend—unless, of course, there are unexpected developments beforehand.

Shanahan and the 49ers may be looking to recapture the success of the team's early years under his leadership when Saleh served as defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020. Saleh's defense became a dominant force and was pivotal in the 49ers' run to Super Bowl LIV during the 2019 season.

Saleh's success in San Francisco earned him the head coaching job with the New York Jets in 2021. However, after a disappointing 2-3 start to the 2024 season, the Jets parted ways with him on October 8. Saleh later joined the Green Bay Packers as an offensive consultant for the remainder of the season.