49ers could make Robert Saleh the NFL’s ‘highest-paid’ defensive coordinator

The 49ers are going all-in for a Robert Saleh reunion.

The former New York Jets head coach has an offer on the table from San Francisco to become the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the NFL, according to The Athletic’s Matt Barrows.

“I think it’s become obvious now that it’s Saleh or bust really, because [the 49ers] haven’t done much work with anybody else to this point,” Barrows said on the “49ers +/-” podcast with Tim Kawakami. “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.”

Green Bay Packers offensive consultant Robert Saleh on the sidelines during warmups against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. — Green Bay Packers offensive consultant Robert Saleh on the sidelines during warmups against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild-card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Saleh is currently in the mix for another head coaching job after being ousted by the Jets in October, drawing interest from the Jaguars, Raiders and Cowboys.

As Barrows noted, the 49ers are expected to wait and see if Saleh gets a head coaching job or another position elsewhere before moving on to other candidates.

Before heading to the Jets in 2021, Saleh was the 49ers’ defensive coordinator under head coach Kyle Shanahan from 2017-20.

The 49ers have been looking for his replacement ever since his departure.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan walks on the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. AP

After the 2021 season, Saleh’s successor, DeMeco Ryans, took the head coaching position with the Texans.

The team would go one-and-done at the coaching spot with Steve Wilks in 2023 and Nick Sorensen this past season after disappointing defensive outputs.

The 49ers have only conducted one other confirmed interview for the position – that was with Lions defensive pᴀssing game coordinator Deshea Townsend.

San Francisco was one of the most disappointing teams of the 2024 season, going 6-11 while finishing last in the NFC West and missing the playoff for the first time in four seasons.