San Francisco 49ers Defensive Coordinator Robert Saleh has completed an interview with the Ravens for their head coach opening.
Here are five things to know about Saleh:
He has previous head coaching experience.
Saleh spent more than three years as head coach of the New York Jets (2021-2024) and experienced all that comes with working in the NFL's largest media market.
It was a pressure-cooker, and Saleh (20-36 overall record) could not lead the Jets into the playoffs for the first time since 2010. However, he gained valuable insight into what an NFL head coach must deal with, lessons he will bring with him if he gets another opportunity.
Dick Vermeil, Bill Belichick, Tony Dungy, Tom Coughlin, Pete Carroll, Gary Kubiak, Andy Reid, and Bruce Arians all won a Super Bowl after failing to do so in their first chance as an NFL head coach. Saleh would love to join that list.
Saleh's defenses have been disruptive and diverse.
In Saleh's two stints as San Francisco's defensive coordinator (2017-20, 2025-present), he has succeeded with different styles.
In 2019, the Niners were No. 1 in the league in pass defense, second in total defense, and fourth in sacks while making it to the Super Bowl before losing to the Kansas City Chiefs. They were sixth in the league with 27 ftakeaways and used their team speed to pressure opponents into mistakes.
This season, the 49ers suffered season-ending injuries to top pass rusher Nick Bosa and Pro Bowl inside linebacker Fred Warner and remained an effective defense. They had the fewest sacks in the league (20), but blitzed less and limited big plays.
Saleh has shown an ability to adapt to his personnel.
"His defense couldn't be more different than when he was here before," 49ers and former Ravens fullback Kyle Juszczyk told The Athletic. "It's evolved so much. It's not just 'rush four and play Cover 3 behind it.' He mixes up looks more, he disguises things and he blitzes more. And it's totally working."
You don't have to guess when Saleh is excited.
Saleh isn't afraid to show his emotions during games.
He's a coordinator who works from the sidelines instead of going upstairs into the coach's box, and he's totally immersed in the game once it starts. He'll pump his fists and yell after big plays, and players feed off his energy.
One of Saleh's favorite sayings is "All Gas, No Brakes." He has made no secret that he's driven to get another opportunity to become a head coach.
Working with Kyle Shanahan has broadened Saleh's offensive perspective.
This is Saleh's fifth season working with 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan, who has earned a reputation as one of the league's top offensive play-callers.
Discussing game plans and tapping into Shanahan's offensive acumen and experience as a head coach has been a resource for Saleh.
Saleh and Shanahan love the challenge of calling plays against each other during practices, anticipating different formations and looks. Saleh cut his teeth on the defensive side of the game, but he's been around a diverse offense for years with San Francisco.
His brother escaped one of the Twin Towers on 9/11
Saleh's oldest brother, David, was training to be a financial advisor in New York, working at the World Trade Center during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
David Saleh made it down the stairs from the 61st floor into the lobby and into the streets of New York before the towers collapsed.
Saleh credits David's harrowing experience for helping him pursue his passions in life, and one of his biggest is coaching football.
