NFL insider offers insight into ex-Jets HC Robert Saleh's future in 2025 coaching carousel

Another Black Monday is officially in the books and while this was a relatively quiet one, we also saw a few names being fired as the week went on. Black Monday started with the Jacksonville Jaguars firing Doug Pederson, an announcement that didn't come as much of a surprise.

The Jaguars did retain general manager Trent Baalke, a decision that raised eyebrows, but they wasted no time in settling on a list of candidates to interview for the vacancy. The Jaguars made the list public on Tuesday with several interesting names featuring including former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh.

Saleh was fired by the Jets on October 8 with the franchise slipping to a 2-3 record after a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. On Wednesday, January 8, CBS Sports' NFL insider Josina Anderson reported an update on Saleh's future in the league:

"I'm told Robert Saleh's first head coach interview with the Jaguars is Tuesday. Another head coach interview is expected thereafter. The 49ers are also expected to make him an offer at defensive coordinator, per sources."

Saleh was widely lauded around the league for his defensive acumen. When the Jets traded for Rodgers, the hope was that with Nathaniel Hackett on board, they would have the offensive end covered. However, things went sideways pretty quickly despite a mid-season trade to bring Davante Adams to town.

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2025 NFL head coach candidates: Where Robert Saleh stands

Only one team has requested an interview with Saleh so far - the Jaguars. However, it's difficult to see a better fit for Saleh than with the Niners as defensive coordinator. The banged-up Niners didn't look all that bad on offense and you can always expect Kyle Shanahan to figure that side of the ball out but adding Saleh to their ranks would bring the franchise right back on the rest of the league's radar, given the ex-Jets HC's pedigree on that side of the ball.

Saleh, of course, spent four years as the franchise's defensive coordinator before leaving to become the head coach of the Jets in January 2021.

It's difficult to see Saleh landing any more interviews given the league has leaned towards more offensive-minded coaches in recent years. This year, Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson remains the most coveted candidate, with the Patriots, Bears and Raiders all expected to pursue him.