The San Francisco 49ers are enjoying a much-needed bye week, and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh used part of the break to appear on Josina Anderson’s podcast, The Exhibit. With San Francisco’s defense improving week after week and helping the team achieve a 9-4 record despite numerous injuries, the conversation naturally turned to Saleh’s future in the NFL.
This marks Saleh’s second stint with the 49ers, bookending his head coaching run with the New York Jets from 2021 to 2024. With several head coaching vacancies expected after the season, is Saleh eyeing a return to the top job?
“Most of us—I don’t know if every coach does—but we all want to get to the top of our profession,” Saleh told Anderson. “But honestly, honest, Jo, I’m just in this space right now where I’m solely focused on trying to do my best for the guys here.
“It’s not a secret. We all want to be at the top of our profession and show that we can achieve greatness at the top of our profession, but—and I say this with great humility—my focus is here, and just trying our best to get to the playoffs and see if we can make some damage and host a Super Bowl here in our building.”
Anderson mentioned that one of the available head coaching openings could be in New York with the Giants, who recently parted ways with Brian Daboll. She asked Saleh about potentially returning to the city he recently called home.
“I’m not thinking about it, Jo,” Saleh replied. “I know you probably want an answer, but we’ve got four weeks here. We’re in the middle of a playoff push.”
Still, Saleh added, “Love New York. Love the fanbase. Love all of it. Love the chaos.”
The 49ers will exit their bye week with a matchup against the Tennessee Titans before facing a challenging stretch to close the regular season, including games against the Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, and Seattle Seahawks.