The Arizona Cardinals have already requested permission to interview San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh for their head coaching vacancy, and they are unlikely to be the only team pursuing the 49ers assistant during this hiring cycle.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Saleh is expected to be a popular candidate among teams searching for a new head coach. Fowler reported that both the Tennessee Titans and the Las Vegas Raiders could show interest, with Saleh likely to interview with at least one of those organizations.


"Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh should be a player for multiple head coaching jobs," Fowler wrote. "Tennessee and Las Vegas come to mind. Saleh is expected to get an interview with the Titans, and he acquitted himself well in his Raiders interviews last year."

Saleh is currently in his second stint with the 49ers, having been rehired prior to the 2025 season. He previously served as San Francisco's defensive coordinator from 2017 through 2020 before being hired as the New York Jets' head coach. The Jets dismissed Saleh during the 2024 season.

San Francisco's defense lost several key contributors to injuries this season, including linebacker Fred Warner and defensive end Nick Bosa. The unit finished the 2025 regular season ranked 20th in total yards allowed and 13th in points allowed.

The 49ers are preparing to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card round of the playoffs this weekend.

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