Robert Saleh to continue earning millions as former team makes hard to ignore offer
Since leaving the New York Jets, Robert Saleh has been touted to return to the San Francisco 49ers as their defensive coordinator.
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San Francisco 49ers willing to make Robert Saleh highest-paid defensive coordinator (Image via Imago)
When Robert Saleh left the New York Jets facilities a few months ago, he might have felt that his chances of being the head coach again were seriously dented. A while later, he joined the Green Bay Packers as a consultant, but knew he would have to wait until the offseason to figure out his next move.
Throughout the league, everyone knows of Robert Saleh‘s expertise in leading a defense. His work with the San Francisco 49ers’ defense is what led him to land the Jets head coaching job. However, a head coach who does not have accomplishments to lean on will find it difficult to land another similar job immediately.
But recently, the 49ers let go of defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen. That instantly led many to believe Robert Saleh would get a call from John Lynch or Kyle Shanahan. Matt Barrows covers the 49ers for The Athletic, who revealed this while on the 49ers +/- podcast.
I think it’s become obvious now that it’s Saleh or bust really, because they haven’t done much work with anybody else to this point. 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.
Matt Barrows said
𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: The #49ers are prepared to make former #Jets HC Robert Saleh the highest paid DC in the entire NFL, per @mattbarrows
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 17, 2025
“We will make you the highest paid defensive coordinator in all the land if you sign with us.” pic.twitter.com/WhuSgcVDgc
As a source who speaks with San Francisco 49ers personnel, Barrows believes the team is going all in on their former DC. Their defense was the best with him at the helm, and they know if they want to win the Super Bowl, they need their defense back at those levels.
Robert Saleh has a few options before deciding
The San Francisco 49ers might be going all in with a pay scale that would leave other coordinator openings in the dust. That comes about as they know his capabilities on the job. However, they are not alone, as there are a few teams who know what Saleh brings to the table.
That has seen the likes of the Jacksonville Jaguars interested in giving him their vacant head coach’s office. Mike Vrabel is also rumored to be interested in making the 45-year-old his DC at the New England Patriots.
Therefore, the choice comes down to what Robert Saleh wants. It’s not like the highest-earning coordinator tag will matter to him. He is still being paid $5 million by the Jets as part of his settlement post dismissal. However, he knows that the 49ers job gives him the opportunity to rebuild his status as a leader of men.
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Joseph Varghese
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