GLENDALE – Arizona Cardinals general manger Monti Ossenfort and his team are starting to get aggressive. One of the top head coaching candidates in this job cycle is San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. The former NFL head coach is interviewing with multiple teams, already being interviewed by Arizona.

However, the franchise has scheduled a second in-person interview with Saleh on Tuesday, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The only hiccup is Saleh is meeting with the Tennessee Titans on Monday, but if he isn’t offer the job, he’ll fly over to the Valley.

Jan 17, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator is Robert Saleh looks on from the sidelines against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half in an NFC Divisional Round game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

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Cardinals in tight race with Titans:

BetOnline has Saleh as the second favorite to be the Cardinals next head coach, behind only Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. The 46-year-old has had a resurgence in San Francisco as the defensive coordinator. The 49ers went from 6-11 and 29th in points allowed into 12-5 and 13th in scoring defense.

Nov 16, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh reacts after defeating the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

After being fired from the Jets early into the 2024 season, it was unclear how quickly Saleh would be hired for an NFL coaching job. The answer turned to be only 19 days after the end of the year for Kyle Shanahan to hire back his former defensive coordinator from 2017-2020.

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Saleh is one the premier final names in the coaching market, with John Harbaugh, Kevin Stefanski and Matt Hafley all being hired this past week. The Cardinals have only requested second interviews with Saleh and Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, proving the franchise’s desire to bring him in to be the 44th head coach in franchise history.

Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports