The challenges continue to mount for the San Francisco 49ers in 2025 as they attempt to bring Robert Saleh back to the Bay Area. Initially, re-hiring Saleh seemed like a sure thing. He interviewed shortly after the season ended, signaling mutual interest. However, the optimism has quickly dwindled as Saleh explores other head coaching opportunities.
After meeting with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Las Vegas Raiders requested an interview. Then, following the Dallas Cowboys’ decision to part ways with Mike McCarthy, Saleh emerged as one of their top targets.
While Saleh was not considered a frontrunner for the Raiders or Cowboys jobs, the Jaguars remained a serious contender. Saleh was one of three candidates Jacksonville planned to interview a second time. However, a report by Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times revealed that the Buccaneers anticipated their offensive coordinator, Liam Coen, would accept the Jaguars’ head coaching role.
This development initially thrilled 49ers fans, who saw re-hiring Saleh as the best move of the coaching cycle. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse on Wednesday.
49ers Met With Disastrous News
Before his second interview with the Jaguars, Liam Coen withdrew from consideration. Instead, he signed a new contract with the Buccaneers, making him one of the NFL’s highest-paid coordinators, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
This unexpected decision has serious implications for Saleh’s future, leaving the 49ers in a precarious position. With Coen out of the picture, Saleh has become a top candidate for the Jaguars, with momentum building rapidly.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reported that Robert Saleh is traveling to Jacksonville on Thursday for a Friday meeting with owner Shad Khan, general manager Trent Baalke, and others. Schultz noted that many league insiders now see Saleh as the favorite for the Jaguars’ head coaching position.
Some might wonder why the 49ers haven’t offered Saleh a record-setting contract to stay as their defensive coordinator. According to Matt Barrows of The Athletic, they already have.
Despite the lucrative offer, the likelihood of Saleh returning to San Francisco is dwindling. Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard has speculated that something deeper might be going on within the 49ers organization.
Whether Saleh accepts the Jaguars job remains uncertain, but the 49ers are undeniably in a difficult spot.
Running Out of Options
The team has already lost Jeff Ulbrich, their presumed second choice, to the Atlanta Falcons. Lou Anarumo, another candidate, has been hired by the Colts, while Dennis Allen appears set to join Ben Johnson in Chicago.
This leaves the 49ers with limited high-quality options. While Saleh remains their preferred candidate, the team must act quickly to solidify their plans. Should Saleh choose Jacksonville, their alternatives are dwindling.
One option is promoting assistant coach Brandon Staley to defensive coordinator. Although this would be a fallback, Staley has an impressive track record. He led the Los Angeles Rams’ defense in 2020, where his unit ranked second in points allowed and fourth in rushing yards allowed per game.
Another possibility is hiring Gus Bradley, who worked with Saleh in Seattle. Bradley’s defensive philosophy aligns with the 49ers’ current scheme, offering continuity. However, Bradley’s recent performance is concerning. His defenses have regressed significantly since 2021, ranking 26th in points allowed over the past four seasons. In 2024, the Colts ranked 24th in run defense, a glaring weakness that contrasts with the 49ers’ priorities.
With options dwindling and the stakes rising, the 49ers must move decisively. Saleh remains their best hope, but time is running out, and a misstep could leave them scrambling for answers.
