As of April 2, 2025, the San Francisco 49ers have acknowledged the possibility of Robert Saleh departing the team in 2026. Saleh, who rejoined the 49ers as defensive coordinator in January 2025 after a challenging tenure as head coach of the New York Jets, is considered a leading candidate for head coaching positions in the NFL. In his previous stint with the 49ers from 2017 to 2020, Saleh’s defensive strategies significantly contributed to the team’s success, including a Super Bowl appearance in the 2019 season. His potential return is viewed as a strategic move to revitalize the 49ers’ defense, which has experienced instability with four different defensive coordinators over the past four seasons. The 49ers are reportedly offering Saleh a substantial contract, making him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the league. However, given his previous head coaching experience and success, it’s anticipated that Saleh may seek to transition back to a head coaching role, potentially as early as the 2026 season. The 49ers are preparing for this eventuality, acknowledging that Saleh’s tenure with the team may be limited to a few seasons. This strategic awareness allows the 49ers to plan for a seamless transition and continue building upon the defensive foundation that Saleh is expected to reinforce during his time with the team
