Last week, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated identified Johnson as one of two front-runners for another head coaching vacancy—the Jacksonville Jaguars job. The other favorite? Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh.
Now that Johnson is heading to Chicago, what does that mean for Saleh, who earned a second interview with the Jaguars this week?
RELATED
Matt Barrows of The Athletic recently described 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan's defensive coordinator search as "Saleh or bust." While Saleh has already interviewed for the 49ers' defensive coordinator role, the team has yet to speak with many other external candidates. The only other known name so far is Detroit Lions defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend.
Shanahan also noted that 49ers assistant head coach Brandon Staley is in the mix, but that feels like a long shot unless other options fall through. Saleh is clearly the favorite to replace Nick Sorensen in Santa Clara.
As for the Jaguars, their management structure may have influenced Johnson's decision to look elsewhere. Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that Jacksonville's setup "wasn't in line with what [Johnson] was looking for in his first head coaching job."
Breer previously suggested that Johnson would only have taken the Jaguars' job if it involved parting ways with general manager Trent Baalke. Saleh, however, appears more open to working with the often-controversial general manager.
The Jaguars are also bringing in other candidates for second interviews, including Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen and Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers interim head coach Chris Foerster shares Week 3 training camp updates
San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach and offensive line coach Chris Foerster, serving as interim head coach, spoke with reporters after Wednesday's training camp practice. Here's everything he had to say. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications... -
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan addresses the media during training camp
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters after Saturday's training camp practice. It was the first time he spoke publicly since suffering injuries during a July 14 car accident. Here's everything he had to say. Transcript provided by the San Francisco... -
49ers coach reveals why defensive versatility is a major training camp focus
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is learning a lot about his players during training camp, and part of that evaluation involves experimenting with their versatility. The 49ers selected linebacker Jaden Dugger in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and... -
Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak shares updates ahead of 49ers-Titans preseason game
San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak spoke with reporters after Monday's training camp practice as the team gears up for its preseason game against the Tennessee Titans. Here's everything he had to say. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers...