The New York Giants are in the hunt for their next head coach after parting ways with Brian Daboll midseason, and one name circulating around league circles is San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
Despite an underwhelming first head-coaching run with the New York Jets, Saleh’s reputation as a top-tier defensive mind remains intact, and with a thin coaching market heading into 2026, he’s expected to draw significant interest. But is he actually interested in the Giants’ job?
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Robert Saleh Addresses Potential Return To New York
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently noted that Robert Saleh should be considered one of the top names in the 2026 head-coaching cycle. And while the New York Giants are expected to prioritize an offensive-minded candidate after firing Brian Daboll, Saleh could still emerge as one of the strongest options on the market.
But when asked directly about the possibility on Josina Anderson’s “The Exhibit Show”, the 49ers defensive coordinator showed no urgency to entertain the idea. “I’m not thinking about it, Joe. I know you probably want an answer, but we got four weeks here. We’re in the middle of a playoff push.”
He, however, did express a desire to return to New York. “Love New York. Love the fanbase. Love all of the chaos,” Saleh added.
Saleh also acknowledged his desire to return to a head-coaching role someday, calling it something everyone in the profession wants. That leaves the door open for a potential return to New York, but for now, his focus remains solely on helping the 49ers secure a postseason berth.
Heading into Week 14, the 49ers sit last in the NFL in sack percentage with just 3.4%, eighth in points allowed per game at 20.7, and 20th in total yards allowed per game at 335.8. They also rank 25th on the PFSN Defense Impact Metric with an impact score of 69.0.
But the numbers don’t tell the full story. The 49ers have been one of, if not the most, injury-ravaged team in the league in 2025, losing core players like Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Mykel Williams, and frequently relying on second or even third-string defenders, especially at linebacker.
A season that was supposed to be transitional turned into one of pure survival, masking much of the work Saleh has done. Given the circumstances, the 49ers have played with real physicality and held up well against the run, ranking 12th in rushing yards allowed per game.
San Francisco is on a bye in Week 14 with a 9–4 record, sitting third in the NFC West behind the 9–3 Rams and Seahawks. According to PFSN’s Playoff Predictor, the 49ers have an 89% chance of reaching the postseason, and with upcoming matchups against the Titans and Colts, a wild-card berth appears well within reach.