Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh is scheduled to meet with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday for a second interview regarding their head coaching vacancy. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers are closely monitoring the situation, as head coach Kyle Shanahan is reportedly eager to reunite with his former defensive coordinator.
The 49ers' approach to replacing Nick Sorensen, relieved of his defensive coordinator duties after the season, has been described as "Saleh or bust." However, the longer the 49ers wait for Saleh and the Jaguars' decision, the fewer contingency options remain.
Fans hoping for a quick resolution from the Jaguars this weekend might need to temper their expectations. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the two candidates interviewing this week—Saleh and Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham—are not considered the two finalists for the job.
Rapoport suggests Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady and Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore are strong contenders. Both, however, remain focused on their respective teams' playoff runs as the Bills and Eagles prepare for their conference championship games this weekend.
Worth noting: The #Jaguars are not down to the two candidates who are in this week for in-person interviews (Robert Saleh and Patrick Graham). Their interview schedule is also expected to include, among others, coaches in the playoffs such as Joe Brady and Kellen Moore. https://t.co/1OCerKA1jN
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 23, 2025
Saleh served as the 49ers' defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020, and his leadership was instrumental in the team reaching Super Bowl LIV during the 2019 season.
Should the Bills or Eagles advance to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, the 49ers' wait for Saleh could extend even further—unless the Jaguars make it known that he is no longer in contention for their vacancy.
In other words, sit tight, Niner fans. A decision on Saleh's future may not come as quickly as hoped.
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