There was a large contingent of New York Jets fans who celebrated when Robert Saleh was fired five games into the 2024 regular season.
There are a large contingent of Dallas Cowboys fans who like the fact that he’s intervewing with Jerry Jones’ team on Saturday.
One fan’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Since Saleh’s departure from the Jets after a dismal 20-36 mark over three-and-a-half years with the club, the defensive-minded coach has taken multiple head coaching interviews around the league.
He’s also a top candidate for some of the most coveted defensive coordinator jobs as well.
One of those coveted roles? His old stomping ground in the San Francisco 49ers.
After a mediocre year in which the Niners failed to make the playoffs following their Super Bowl season in 2023, San Fran is on the hunt looking for a dynamic defensive leader with an older roster.
And Saleh is at the top of their list.
“I think it’s become obvious now that it’s Saleh or bust really because they haven’t done much work with anybody else to this point,” The Athletic’s Matt Barrows said.
“And I’ve already heard that they’ve told Saleh, you know, ‘We will make you the highest-paid defensive coordinator in all the land if you sign with us.’ And now it’s just a matter of waiting for Saleh.”
Saleh is credited with turning around a Jets defense from one of the worst in the league to one of the most feared in recent years.
While the wins never caught up to his standard of the defense, there are plenty of teams who want the failed head coach.
In Dallas’ case? They had their talk on Saturday, a session at ended just after 1 p.m. CT.
In the Niners’ case? They seem ready to talk … and to pay
