GLENDALE – As the days progress, it seems like the Arizona Cardinals are interviewing a new head coaching candidate. New coaches in the market put their hat in the ring for the opportunity to lead the franchise. However, one of the first names that was linked to Arizona was San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!After the news of Jonathan Gannon’s firing, Saleh was one of the first names linked to the job and appeared on the team’s initial eight-name list of candidates. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Thursday that the long wait is over and the two are meeting later tonight for their first interview.
Dec 28, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh leaves the field after defeating the Chicago Bears at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Schefter on Cardinals meeting Saleh:
The 46-year-old is one of the most well-respected coordinators in the NFL, so it’s no surprise the Cardinals are interested. Saleh is a defensive mastermind, entering the league in 2005 as a defensive intern. For the next two decades, he would work his way up through various positions like defensive quality control and linebackers coach until 2017 with the 49ers.
When San Francisco brought in head coach Kyle Shanahan, the offensive genius wanted a partner equally as talented defensive, choosing Saleh. In three seasons, the duo turned a 2-14 team into a 13-3 juggernaut that was second in points and eighth in points allowed.
Sep 7, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, left, and head coach Kyle Shanahan, right, exit the locker room during pregame warmups against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Saleh’s accomplishments earned him the head coaching title with the New York Jets. Despite only a 20-36 record, the roster he inherited, alongside the injuries and quarterback controversy, dealt him a losing hand. A surprise firing early in the 2024 season, had Shanahan chomping at the bit to bring back his defensive coordinator, which he did 17 days after the season.
The pairing has been magic this season and has battled past all the injuries on the roster to be playing in the divisional round. Saleh is prestige choice to be Cardinals’ next head coach, but general manager Monti Ossenfort needs to ensure that if he is brought in that it isn’t similar to the Jets’ situation.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
