Marrone will reportedly be let go following the Jaguars' final game of the year on Sunday versus the Indianapolis Colts, and the move comes in the wake of the team parting ways with Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tom Coughlin earlier this month.
So, tack on the Jaguars as a team on the hunt for a new head coach this offseason.
On Saturday, NFL insider Benjamin Allbright reported there could be a link between Jacksonville and San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh:
There have been swirls around the league Saleh would be a head coaching candidate this upcoming offseason, largely stemming from the Niners' defensive success over the year. Saleh, despite two relatively lackluster defensive seasons in San Francisco between 2017 and 2018, has seen a massive turnaround in 2019. The 49ers boast the eighth best scoring defense, while the pass defense ranks No. 1 in the league entering Week 17.
Saleh, meanwhile, has ties to Jacksonville. In 2014, he came along with then-Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley to join the Jaguars coaching staff as a linebackers coach -- a post he held until Bradley was fired in 2016.
The 49ers can block any lateral movements for the same position, although teams are not permitted to prevent coaches from interviewing for higher-up positions. So, in theory, the only way the Niners would be able to prevent Saleh from potentially interviewing for the Jaguars opening would be to offer him a significant raise as coordinator.
Even so, Saleh could likely be inclined to at least explore the option. NFL head coaching ranks are part of an elite fraternity.
This story isn't likely to go away anytime soon, so keep an eye on further developments and reports. Meanwhile, Saleh and the 49ers will be focused on their Week 17 matchup on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.
Written By:
Peter Panacy has been writing about the 49ers since 2011 for outlets like Bleacher Report, Niner Noise, 49ers Webzone, and is occasionally heard as a guest on San Francisco's 95.7 FM The Game and the Niners' flagship station, KNBR 680. Feel free to follow him, or direct any inquiries to his Twitter account.
All articles by Peter Panacy
Peter Panacy
Peter Panacy has been writing about the 49ers since 2011 for outlets like Bleacher Report, Niner Noise, 49ers Webzone, and is occasionally heard as a guest on San Francisco's 95.7 FM The Game and the Niners' flagship station, KNBR 680. Feel free to follow him, or direct any inquiries to his Twitter account.
All articles by Peter Panacy
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Robert Saleh names 49ers' biggest rookie surprise from last season
The San Francisco 49ers invested heavily in their defense during the 2025 NFL Draft, using six of their 11 selections on defensive players, including each of their first five picks. One rookie, however, stood out more than the rest to former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan falls just short of AP's top 3 NFL head coaches
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is widely regarded as one of the NFL's brightest offensive minds. His performance last season—leading an injury-riddled roster to a 12-win campaign and a playoff berth—only strengthened that reputation. However, it wasn't enough... -
49ers announce roster moves as rookies report to training camp
The San Francisco 49ers announced a couple of roster moves on the same day that rookies reported to training camp. They have signed punter Jack Bouwmeester to a three-year deal. In addition, the team has placed tight end Khalil Dinkins on the active/non-football injury... -
49ers rookies report to training camp today
The San Francisco 49ers officially begin preparations for the 2026 season today as the team's rookie class reports to the SAP Performance Facility in Santa Clara, kicking off training camp a week before veterans arrive on July 25. The first full-team practice is scheduled for...