According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the Arizona Cardinals have requested permission to interview San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh for their head-coaching vacancy. Arizona fired Jonathan Gannon following the team's third straight losing season.
The Cardinals have put in a request to interview 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh for their head-coaching job, per source.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 6, 2026
Saleh is expected to draw significant interest this offseason. With multiple head-coaching positions open around the NFL, he could be a leading candidate for one of the league's most coveted jobs.
This marks Saleh's second stint as defensive coordinator with the 49ers. He previously served in the same role from 2017 through 2020 before accepting the head coaching position with the New York Jets in 2021. Saleh was dismissed by the Jets during the 2024 season and returned to San Francisco last year.
The 49ers are hopeful of retaining Saleh, but anticipate his high demand around the league.
"Now, we can make it very attractive for him to stay, and we plan on doing that, but we're fortunate to have Robert," general manager John Lynch said last month. "He does a tremendous job, and we're just going to enjoy the ride right now, and then, we'll take care of that when it presents itself."
San Francisco's defense finished the 2025 season ranked 20th in total yards allowed and 13th in points allowed. Injuries played a significant role in the unit's struggles, as it lost key players such as Fred Warner and Nick Bosa.
For now, Saleh and the 49ers are focused on their Wild Card matchup against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. But with the Cardinals pursuing him, the 49ers may need to prepare a backup plan for next season sooner rather than later.
Gus Bradley is currently the 49ers' assistant head coach, and could be in line to succeed Saleh if he lands a job elsewhere.
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