FOOTBALL: Titans set to hire 49ers DC Robert Saleh as head coach

Robert Saleh is set to get a second chance at being an NFL head coach.

The San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator is reportedly finalizing a deal to become the next head coach of the Tennessee Titans, multiple media outlets reported Monday night.

Saleh, 46, previously served as the head coach of the New York Jets from 2021 to 2023. During his tenure, the Jets recorded losing seasons each year and he was ultimately dismissed after the team started 2-3 in 2024. His overall record with the Jets was 20-36.

This season, Saleh led the 49ers’ defense, which finished 20th in the NFL in total defense, allowing an average of 340.2 yards per game. The unit also ranked 13th in scoring defense, giving up 21.8 points per game. These results were achieved despite the team missing key players, including All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner and All-Pro edge rusher Nick Bosa, for most of the season due to injuries.

The Titans confirmed Monday that they interviewed Saleh along with Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy for their head coaching vacancy. Tennessee fired Brian Callahan after a 1-5 start, and interim coach Mike McCoy finished the season with the team posting a 3-14 record.

Callahan also led the Titans to a 3-14 record in 2024, marking the franchise’s fourth consecutive losing season.

Before his first head coaching role with the Jets, Saleh worked in college football as an assistant coach at Michigan State, Central Michigan, and Georgia. He entered the NFL coaching ranks with the Houston Texans in 2005 and later held positions with the Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars. Saleh also served as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020.

—Field Level Media/Reuters