Despite a long list of injury woes, the San Francisco 49ers are playing as one of the top teams in the league. The franchise owns a 5-2 record heading into Week 8, as the team aims to remain competitive in the NFC West rankings.
With San Francisco experiencing some success, it appears the players are loving what defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is bringing to the table. Players on the defensive side of the ball have praised Saleh, who is 46 years old, for his leadership and coaching skills, according to Noah Furtado of The San Francisco Chronicle.
So much so that players are giving him head coaching endorsements midway through the season. “‘He has that energy and aura of a head coach,’” said defensive tackle Jordan Elliott of Robert Saleh. “‘The way he attacks meetings, the way he talks, he deserves a head coach job,’” added Sam Okuayinonu. “‘But right now he’s my defense coordinator.’”
Robert Saleh has previous head coaching experience, having served as the head coach for the New York Jets for four seasons. He was fired early in the 2024-25 campaign after beginning that year with a 2-3 record. Saleh then reprised his role as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator in the 2025 offseason.
It’s unclear what the future holds for Saleh, but the strong endorsements he is receiving suggest that teams in need of a head coach could at least consider giving him an interview. Only time will tell how things play out.
Until then, Robert Saleh and the 49ers will focus on their Week 8 matchup against the Houston Texans.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/49ers-news-robert-saleh-head-coach-endorsement-san-francisco-players