49ers, Cowboys are among possible options – NBC Sports Bay Area and California

Typically, a 2-3 start with a quarterback inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame does not result in a dismissal.

However, this was the case on Tuesday with the New York Jets, who abruptly cut off contact with head coach Robert Saleh after three years.

The 45-year-old Michigan native posted a 20-36 win-loss record in the Meadowlands, but that record deserves some context.

The defensive-minded Saleh regularly helped the Jets finish at or near the top in several key defensive stats, although the quarterback situation was always lacking. Zach Wilson, a non-Saleh pick, failed to earn the No. 2 overall pick in 2021 and Aaron Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles tendon a few games into his debut last season.

Since the 2021 season, Robert Saleh's first in New York is the Jets defense

1. in points per trip
1st in EPA per game
Third in success rate

…even though he played the fourth-most snaps during that stretch.

Saleh never solved the QB problem, but man. He delivered on defense.

— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) October 8, 2024

Saleh and Rodgers only played five games together in 2024 and will no longer have time to grow together. The head coach reportedly wants to stay with his family until the next recruiting cycle in 2025.

So which NFL teams should be in the mix for the proven coach? Here are five possible landing spots:

San Francisco 49ers

The first team is a gift. Saleh held position roles throughout the league until becoming the 49ers' defensive coordinator in 2017. From there, he rose to prominence, leading San Francisco's defense to elite levels and helping to produce some of today's stars such as Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, to name a few.

But perhaps most importantly, his energy on the 49ers sideline was infectious. A 4th and 1st stop? Just look at the sidelines and you'll see him celebrating with an effervescent passion that has benefited the players and coaches. Since Saleh left for New York, the 49ers have had current Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans in the role but have struggled with consistency on that side of the ball.

The 49ers are unlikely to replace current DC Nick Sorensen in his first season as coach, but head coach Kyle Shanahan should definitely consider a reunion.

Dallas Cowboys

If San Francisco and Saleh 2.0 don't re-emerge, the 49ers run the risk of him leading a rival in some capacity. Whether as head coach or defensive coordinator, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys should also keep an eye on Saleh.

Dallas had a stout defense under Dan Quinn, but now that he's with the Washington Commanders, Mike Zimmer has yet to bring the same level of command.

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is already in the hot seat, with Dak Prescott providing stability at QB1 – something Saleh hasn't had yet – even if the 31-year-old signal caller is a few notches below elite.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Whether head coach or defensive coordinator, the Jaguars could make sense for two different positions. Former Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl winner Doug Pederson has been going downhill as a head coach since reaching the playoffs in his debut season in 2022.

The Jaguars are 1-4 and don't have many redeeming moments, aside from the fact that struggling Trevor Lawrence is tied to a lucrative long-term contract. Lawrence still has the opportunity to grow out of his troubles, but that may not happen under this current staff.

Defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen hasn't been able to enjoy productive numbers in his first year. Jacksonville ranks near the bottom in numerous defensive stats, particularly in the secondary. Saleh could provide a boost in several areas and worked as a linebackers coach in Jacksonville from 2014-16.

Indianapolis Colts

Another AFC South opportunity lies north of Indianapolis, where the Colts may need changes on the defensive side of the ball. Head coach Shane Steichen should be secure with his job considering how he's helped make things better, but the opposite is true for defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.

While Jacksonville can at least keep up with its rushing defense, the Colts don't have many successful departments on that side of the ball, leading to more urgent calls for a possible change as the offense proves adequate despite injuries.

Miami Dolphins

As Saleh returns to Florida, the Dolphins are another team he is familiar with, although not because of his previous work there, but rather because of the senior staff. Head coach Mike McDaniel previously served as the 49ers' offensive coordinator/running game coordinator while Saleh also ran the defense.

Although Miami's current defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is new to the role and could show promise given the stars at his disposal, this could be an attractive spot for Saleh. He could take it over alongside McDaniel while already having great talent that can contribute now.

Additionally, he would play twice a season in the AFC East against the Jets, which would mean chances for revenge and interesting headlines.

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