The San Francisco 49ers are prepared to offer Robert Saleh a record-breaking deal to return as their defensive coordinator, aiming to bring back the architect of their dominant defenses from 2017 to 2020.
According to Matt Barrows of The Athletic, the team told Saleh, “We will make you the highest-paid defensive coordinator in all the land if you sign with us.” The 49ers are looking for a fresh start after a disappointing 7-10 season and have made Saleh their top target to replace Nick Sorensen.
During Saleh’s previous tenure, the 49ers fielded three top-five defenses, making him the clear favorite for the role.
𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: The #49ers are prepared to make former #Jets HC Robert Saleh the highest paid DC in the entire NFL, per @mattbarrows
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 17, 2025
“We will make you the highest paid defensive coordinator in all the land if you sign with us.” pic.twitter.com/WhuSgcVDgc
Despite the lucrative offer, Saleh’s future remains uncertain as he is also a leading candidate for head coaching vacancies with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, and Dallas Cowboys.
Fired by the New York Jets earlier in the 2024 season after a 20-36 stint as head coach, Saleh’s reputation as a defensive specialist has kept him in high demand.
"It’s Robert Saleh or bust, really," Barrows reported, noting that the 49ers have not actively pursued other candidates. Saleh is reportedly waiting for decisions from the teams courting him for head coaching jobs, with Jacksonville showing particular interest and Dallas exploring other high-profile names like Deion Sanders.
The vibe and energy on the sidelines with Robert Saleh is contagious. We need this back. Loved Coach MeCo. I liked Wilks but he didn’t show much emotion. #49ers #FTTB #NFL pic.twitter.com/znd3y1F0Dk
— 49er_Edits (@49er_edits) January 16, 2025
The 49ers’ single-minded focus on Saleh carries significant risk. If he chooses to accept a head coaching offer, the team could be left scrambling for alternatives, with internal options like Brandon Staley possibly the only fallback.
By banking on Saleh’s familiarity with the organization and offering him a historic contract, the 49ers are betting that he can return to revive their struggling defense.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
