49ers Rumors on Robert Saleh's HC Interview Requests Amid NFL Playoff Run

The Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons have requested to interview San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, according to The MMQB's Albert Breer.

The Arizona Cardinals were the first team to line up a meeting.

Since the Niners are in the NFL playoffs, rival franchises are prohibited from speaking with Saleh until after Wild Card Weekend.

The 46-year-old could wind up staying in the Bay Area this offseason. Should that happen, it won't be due to a lack of interest.

The 49ers finished 20th in yards allowed and 13th in scoring defense. Neither of those stats looks impressive, but the unit had defensive end Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner for nine combined games. Saleh made the most of a difficult situation.

Suitors are likely to be a little less critical toward his three and a half years coaching the New York Jets as well. New York went 20-36 during his tenure and has gone 6-23 since his midseason exit in 2024.

When he might have the luxury of getting to choose, the Falcons would probably be a more attractive landing spot for Saleh.

The jury is still out on Cam Ward, but the 2025 No. 1 overall pick didn't excel as a rookie. The Titans quarterback threw for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing fewer than 60 percent (59.8) of his passes.

INSANE CAM WARD 1ST TD 😱

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Add in the internal dysfunction in Tennessee and this isn't a great job right now. Amid the link to Saleh, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the Titans also requested interviews for Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

Atlanta its own drawbacks. The quarterback situation is in flux because Kirk Cousins will turn 38 in August and Michael Penix Jr. is coming off a partial ACL tear. The Falcons don't have a first-round pick this year, either.

Still, Saleh would presumably love to inherit a defense that boasts James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker rushing off the edge, and Bijan Robinson is one of the best playmakers in the league.

The Falcons can make a compelling pitch to prospective coaches.