"We all want to get to the top of our profession": Robert Saleh makes feelings clear about another shot at HC job after surge with 49ers' defense

Robert Saleh wants another shot as an NFL head coach. San Francisco's defense ranks eighth in the league in points allowed despite dealing with a long list of injured players. Teams looking for new coaches are starting to pay attention.

Saleh was the coach of the New York Jets before getting fired in 2024, registering a 20-36 record. After his exit, he returned to the 49ers, where he has worked as their defensive coordinator since January.

Saleh was asked on Thursday about becoming a coach again.

"We all want to get to the top of our profession," Saleh said, via "The Exhibit Show." "But honestly, I'm just in this space right now where I'm solely focused on trying to do my best for the guys here.

"It's not a secret, we all want to at the top of our profession and show that we can achieve greatness at the top of our profession, but I say this with great humility, my focus is here and just trying our best to get to the playoffs and see if we can make some damage and host a Super Bowl here in our building."

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Robert Saleh was asked on a s scale of 1-10, how much does he want to be a head coach again: “We all want to get to the top of our profession. But honestly, I’m just in this space right now where I’m solely focused on trying to do my best for the guys here. It’s not a secret, we

San Francisco (9-4) has won four of its last five games and is third in the NFC West.

NFL insider expects teams to pursue Robert Saleh

NFL: Jacksonville Jaguars at San Francisco 49ers - Source: Imagn

NFL insider Dianna Russini thinks Robert Saleh will get interviews for coaching jobs. She talked about him on Tuesday, highlighting what he's accomplished with San Francisco's banged-up defense.

"I know he wants to coach again as a head coach," Russini said, via "Wake Up Barstool." "Look, the Jets situation was what it was. I think there were a lot of factors why he didn't have success, but I also think he learned a lot.

"So I could see him getting some opportunities, definitely some interviews."

Two teams already need new coaches. The Giants fired Brian Daboll, while the Titans let go of Brian Callahan.