Robert Saleh could have the 49ers’ defensive coordinator gig — what would be a second time in that role — in his back pocket, though time may be an issue for both parties. A second head coach interview request has since come Saleh’s way.
After the Jaguars requested a meeting, Saleh is set to meet with the Raiders, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reports. Saleh’s Jaguars interview is slated for Tuesday, and NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo adds Saleh’s Raiders meeting is scheduled for next week.
Las Vegas’ search party remains in the early stages. The team did secure a meeting with Lions OC Ben Johnson, who again resides as one of the top names on the market. Saleh joins Glenn and Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo as defense-oriented options to receive Raiders requests. This represents more momentum for Saleh, who has been working with the Packers in an advisory role for several weeks.
The Jets fired Saleh after the team started 2-3. No interim bounce occurred, as Jeff Ulbrich was unable to revive the team’s prospects in the way Woody Johnson hoped. The Jets’ first (and likely last) season with Aaron Rodgers as the full-time starter deteriorated following Saleh’s ouster. Saleh, 45, dealt with several Rodgers-generated hiccups — the minicamp absence among them — and saw his HC stint largely defined by Zach Wilson‘s struggles in the three years prior.
Though, Saleh improved the Jets’ defense significantly in that span. After New York ranked last across the board defensively in 2021, Saleh and Ulbrich vaulted the unit to fourth in 2022. It remained a top-five total defense in both 2023 and ’24. Ulbrich remains in play for the Jets’ full-time HC post, though he is not considered the favorite for a team starting over in the front office as well. In the meantime, Saleh will be set to tell some interesting stories to two AFC suitors. More DC interest stands to emerge if he does not land either top job.
Via PFR’s Head Coaching Search Tracker, here is how the Raiders’ hunt looks on Day 2 post-Antonio Pierce:
- Bill Belichick, head coach (North Carolina): Contacted about job
- Brian Flores, defensive coordinator (Vikings): Mentioned as candidate
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): Interview requested
- Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator (Lions): To interview 1/10
- Todd Monken, offensive coordinator (Ravens): Interview requested
- Robert Saleh, former head coach (Jets): To interview
- Steve Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interview requested
- Mike Vrabel, former head coach (Titans): Rumored candidate