NFL rumors: Robert Saleh to become highest-paid DC with 49ers surpassing Vic Fangios' $4,500,000 contract

Former New York Jets coach Robert Saleh will get another coaching opportunity in 2025. The question is, will he go back to being a defensive coordinator, or will he become a head coach? Seems like Saleh has options.

While one would think Saleh would accept a head coaching gig if offered, he may pursue other opportunities as a defensive coordinator. The San Francisco 49ers, where he served as a defensive coordinator from 2017-2020, apparently want to make him their next DC after they moved on from Nick Sorensen.

The Athletic's reporter Matt Barrows said on the latest episode of the '49ers Plus/Minus' that the team is ready to make Saleh the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the NFL. As per his information, they would surpass Vic Fangios' $4.5 million contract.

Barrows said:

“It’s Robert Saleh or bust, really. Because they have not done much work with anybody else to this point. I have heard that they already told Saleh, ‘We will make you the highest-paid defensive coordinator in all the land if you sign with us.’ So, now it is just a matter of waiting for Saleh.”

Saleh left the 49ers following the 2020 season. He was hired by the New York Jets to be their next head coach.

He coached the Jets for three full seasons before being fired after a 2-3 start to this season. He went 20-36 in his three-plus seasons as the Jets' head coach.

Robert Saleh has received head coaching interest from three teams

Robert Saleh during New England Patriots v New York Jets - Source: Getty

Despite his lack of success as the New York Jets' coach, Robert Saleh is still drawing interest from a few teams for potentially becoming their next coach.

Saleh has interviewed with and met the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Las Vegas Raiders thus far. He has an in-person interview with the Dallas Cowboys this Saturday.

Saleh began his NFL coaching career in 2005 when he became a defensive assistant with the Houston Texans. He got his first defensive coordinator gig in 2017 with the 49ers and got his first coaching gig in 2021 with the Jets.

Do you think Robert Saleh will be a head coach or defensive coordinator in 2025?