Saleh's second interview, scheduled for Friday, means 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan must remain patient as the situation unfolds regarding his reported top choice for the team's defensive coordinator role. While the 49ers have already interviewed Saleh for their defensive coordinator role, he remains a candidate for the head coaching jobs with the Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, and Dallas Cowboys.
Saleh previously served as the 49ers' defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020, playing a pivotal role in helping the team reach Super Bowl LIV during the 2019 season. His leadership and defensive knowledge left a lasting impact, which is why the 49ers are eager to reunite with him.
Shanahan and the 49ers have reportedly made a strong push to bring him back, offering to make Saleh the NFL's highest-paid defensive coordinator if he does not land a head coaching job. It's unclear if the 49ers have a contingency plan after parting ways with former defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen.
Matt Barrows of The Athletic recently characterized the team's defensive coordinator search as a "Saleh or bust" scenario.
"I know that the 49ers have made a strong offer," Barrows said. "It's supposed to be top of the market. Will it be at the end of this cycle? I don't know. But the point was that it was supposed to be a strong offer to signal to him that we really want you back here."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers WR Jordan Watkins continues to take 'a huge step forward' in absence of veterans
For the second consecutive game, second-year wide receiver Jordan Watkins stepped up on Sunday for a short-handed San Francisco 49ers receiving corps that has been decimated by injuries throughout the season. The 49ers were without wide receivers Mike Evans, Demarcus Robinson,... -
49ers practice and media schedule ahead of Week 10 matchup vs. Cowboys
The San Francisco 49ers will hold three full practices this week as they prepare for their Week 10 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak, and quarterback Brock Purdy are scheduled to... -
Kyle Shanahan reveals what 49ers must do to reach their goals in the second half of the season
The San Francisco 49ers are heading into the second half of the regular season with plenty of work still ahead of them. While injuries have played a significant role in shaping their season, head coach Kyle Shanahan believes the team is beginning to get healthier at an... -
49ers' Keenan Allen weighs in on facing Cowboys for second straight week
Keenan Allen caught four passes for 26 yards in the Indianapolis Colts' Week 9 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Now, he'll face Dallas for the second consecutive week, this time as a member of the San Francisco 49ers following a trade. Allen hopes the Week 10 rematch produces a...