Don't look now, but the San Francisco 49ers are just one more win shy of their win total from a season ago. At 5-2, head coach Kyle Shanahan has his team playing like the NFC champions of years past.
In addition to their winning ways, the injuries have racked up for the Niners once again. Despite the number of stars who have missed games for San Francisco, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh has his defense playing at a borderline elite level.
The 49ers are one of seven teams in the NFL that are allowing less than 20 points per game. Good thing, too, because two of the other teams with that feat are in the NFC West (the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks).
Known for his expertise on the defensive side of the ball and being able to get the most out of his talent is what attracted the New York Jets about Saleh. The defensive coordinator accepted the Jets' coaching job in 2021 on a five-year deal.
He was fired mid-season last year and then joined the Green Bay Packers coaching staff as a consultant.
With San Francisco's recent defensive success, Saleh may soon leave the Bay Area once more to become the head coach of another NFL team.
2 options for Robert Saleh are both in the state of Ohio
After a rough tenure with the Jets in his first stint as an NFL coach, the 49ers defensive coordinator should be deterred from being interested in another team with a seemingly revolving door for head coaches. The Tennessee Titans have already fired their head coach, Brian Callahan, this season after a 1-5 start.
Though going to the AFC South has its perks, there's another AFC division that offers a pair of opportunities, should their respective head coaches not be invited back for 2026.
Yes, joining the AFC North presents its own set of challenges, given that the division has been fairly competitive over recent years. The AFC North has often produced multiple playoff teams including last season, the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Robert Saleh's case to coach the Bengals
Another injury to star quarterback Joe Burrow has the Cincinnati Bengals in a freefall.
This time, head coach Zac Taylor may not survive it.
Since losing Super Bowl LVI to the Rams in 2022, the Bengals have gone 9-8 in back-to-back seasons. In fact, they were the worst team in the AFC North and missed the postseason with a winning record.
The Bengals are one of two teams in the NFL this season allowing 30 points a game or more. The Ravens are the other team.
Saleh wouldn't have to worry about much on offense, as Burrow will be back at some point while wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins both are on the roster. The Bengals defense that has ranked second-worst in yards allowed twice now since their last Super Bowl appearance is desperate for a Saleh-inspired turn around.
Browns also make sense for Robert Saleh
Unlike the Bengals, the Cleveland Browns already boast a decent defense, thanks in large part because of defensive end Myles Garrett.
With the best defense in the NFL (in terms of yards allowed), Cleveland offers Saleh a ready-made defense. It's a team that fits some of the former Jets head coach's strengths.
However, until they figure out the offense, Cleveland will struggle regardless if head coach Kevin Stefanski stays or not.
In the meantime, Saleh is on the 49ers' sideline, but for how much longer, no one knows.