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A crazy day on the coaching carousel is likely to lead former and future 49ers Defensive Coordinator Robert Saleh back to the Bay Area.
I tried to tell you over the last few days, but I understand and am not too deeply hurt that you wanted to wait for a guy like 49ers insider and friend of the show Matt Maiocco to break the news that unless Saleh lands an open opportunity in Dallas, Las Vegas or New Orleans he has told the 49ers he’ll return as the DC.
This all came about late in the afternoon when soon to be new Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen flipped from turning down Jacksonville to becoming the top candidate again after Jacksonville owner Shad Kahn fired former 49ers GM and then Jags GM Trent Baalke Tuesday after hearing from multiple candidates they weren’t interested in working with him. Coen had agreed to a new contract to remain offensive coordinator for Tampa Bay who had finished 4th overall on offense in the NFL and Coen had helped quarterback Baker Mayfield further his comeback status. This all left Saleh canceling a flight to Jacksonville where he was supposed to meet with Kahn for a second interview for the job Coen ultimately took.
Saleh still could be in line in this coaching cycle, but it is unlikely. Below I’ve outlined the open jobs and highlighted the likely favorites. Unless there is a surprise and we just had one, Saleh will be back in the bay.
One thing to keep in mind and something we talk about often on the show, coaches can only do so much. Saleh has been very good when he has talent. His 49ers team in 2019 was great defensively and the 49ers went to the Super Bowl. As the graphic shows, in 2017 and 2018, Saleh couldn’t overcome a lack of talent. No coach can. If San Francisco has the healthy pieces, Saleh will get the most out of the group as he did with the 49ers and Jets. Per the graph, bottom is bad, top is good.
