49ers Insider: Robert Saleh Landing DC Contract 'Likely' amid Raiders, Jags HC Buzz

Robert Saleh is a leading candidate to return as the San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator if he isn't able to land a head coaching job, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner.

"Saleh runs Shanahan's preferred scheme, knows the key defensive leaders still on the roster and has proved adept at altering the defense when injuries or other factors have made it necessary," Wagoner wrote on Monday. "He interviewed for the job on Thursday and a reunion is possible, if not likely."

Saleh served as head coach of the New York Jets from 2021 until he was fired after Week 5 of the 2024 season with the Jets sitting at 2-3. After he was let go by New York, the team ended the year with a 5-12 record and struggled defensively throughout the remainder of the season.

Wagoner and NFL Network's Tom Pelissero noted that Saleh has head coaching interviews lined up with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders, making it "difficult" for San Francisco to wait if the hiring process drags on for either vacancy.

The 45-year-old was previously the 49ers' defensive coordinator from 2017-20, overseeing a defense that helped the team make a Super Bowl 54 appearance.

While San Francisco sat at just 6-10 during his final year with the organization in 2020, the 49ers still ranked No. 5 in the NFL by allowing just 314.4 yards per game.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan's team similarly underperformed expectations as it was hit hard by injuries in 2024, ending the year with a 6-11 record. San Francisco gave up 25.6 points per game, the fourth-worst mark in the league.

If Saleh isn't a finalist for a head coach position, reuniting with the 49ers appears to be a probable outcome.