San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh continues to draw significant interest from teams searching for a new head coach. Saleh is scheduled to interview with the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night and will speak with the Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans on Sunday. The Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons have also expressed interest in the 49ers' defensive coordinator.
However, Saleh isn't the only member of Kyle Shanahan's staff drawing attention around the NFL.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Pittsburgh Steelers—who recently parted ways with longtime head coach Mike Tomlin—have requested permission to interview 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak for their head coaching vacancy.
The Steelers have submitted an interview request for 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak for their head coach vacancy, per source. pic.twitter.com/yjgYGfDFuy
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 15, 2026
Kubiak is in his fifth season with the 49ers and his first as the team's offensive coordinator. Under his direction, San Francisco's offense finished seventh in total yards, 10th in scoring, fifth in passing yards, and 24th in rushing during the regular season.
The interest doesn't come as a surprise—though maybe sooner than expected. Earlier this month, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler suggested Kubiak was already viewed as a rising head coaching candidate.
"From the one-year-from-now file, offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak is poised to be a hot head coaching candidate in the 2026-27 cycle," Fowler wrote. "Kyle Shanahan is very high on him, and he has the right temperament for the job. He's considered someone from this tree who could make some noise next carousel."
For now, Kubiak remains focused on the postseason. The 49ers are preparing for Saturday night's playoff matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, with the winner advancing to the NFC Championship Game.
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