The San Francisco 49ers’ defense has been one of the five worst units in the NFL since Week 5. While that may not be the fault of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, it is going to be hard for teams with a need at head coach to justify hiring him. That could end up being a win for the 49ers.

San Francisco 49ers injuries may cost Robert Saleh a head coaching job in 2026 

Robert Saleh has been great this year if you watch what the 49ers do. When the season started, it looked like a unit that was young and a touch undermanned would play above expectations. They got out to a 4-1 start to the season, with the defense being a significant help. 

However, without Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, Mykel Williams, and shuffling at other spots, the unit is not nearly the same in recent weeks. That has not stopped Saleh from unloading his playbook on opposing teams. 

The 49ers have blitzed, stunted, dropped back, played more dime, swapped safeties, swapped coverages, you name it. Saleh has done things that are not considered traditional Saleh tendencies to find a way to make this unit better, and it has not worked.Â