Jan. 19, 2026, 4:52 p.m. MT

There is some news in the Arizona Cardinals‘ search for a new head coach. It also might end up being nothing at all.

According to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero, the Cardinals have a second interview scheduled with San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh for Tuesday. However, Saleh is interviewing with the Tennessee Titans on Monday. It is possible that he and Titans will finalize a deal and he never even gets on the plane to Arizona.

If Saleh is not hired by the Titans, he will go to Arizona.

What does this sound like? Leverage.

Perhaps Saleh is interested in the Cardinals’ job, but the particular timing and wording of the report suggest that going to Arizona seems like a bit of a play for Saleh’s camp. If he isn’t hired by the Titans, he will go to Arizona.

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Saleh has been coaching the NFL since 2005.

From 2005-2010, he was on the Houston Texans‘ staff as a defensive intern, defensive quality control coach and assistant linebackers coach.

From 2011-2013, he was the defensive quality control coach for the Seattle Seahawks.

From 2014-2016, he coaches linebackers for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

He was the 49ers’ defensive coordinator from 2017-2020, and then ewas head coach of the New York Jets from 2021-2024 when he was fired midseason.

He returned in 2025 to run the 49ers’ defense and now is set to land a head coaching job.

We will see if he leaves Tennessee without a deal.

Who has hired coaches and who is still looking?

Three teams have landed new head coaches.

Miami Dolphins: Jeff HafleyAtlanta Falcons: Kevin StefanskiNew York Giants: John Harbaugh

Seven teams remain with vacancies, as the Buffalo Bills were added to the list on Monday.

Arizona CardinalsBaltimore RavensBuffalo BillsCleveland BrownsLas Vegas RaidersPittsburgh SteelersTennessee Titans

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