The Tennessee Titans have officially found their next leader. San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is expected to become the franchise’s new head coach, according to NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo.
Saleh, 46, returns to a head coaching role after a three-year stint with the New York Jets from 2021 to 2024, where he went 20-36 while navigating ongoing quarterback challenges. Before his first head coaching job, Saleh spent four seasons (2017-2020) as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator.
After returning to San Francisco last season, Saleh guided a defense plagued by injuries to Nick Bosa (torn ACL) and Fred Warner (ankle) to the 13th-ranked scoring defense, helping the team finish 12-5. The 49ers had a chance to secure the NFC’s No. 1 seed in Week 18 but fell short against Seattle and were later eliminated by the Seahawks in the Divisional Round.
Pelissero reported that Saleh had been slated to interview with the Arizona Cardinals but agreed to terms with Tennessee before that meeting could take place. Saleh is expected to call defensive plays for the Titans, a responsibility he did not have as Jets head coach.
“Robert Saleh impressed us across the board,” Garafolo reported. “He’s a proven defensive leader who also understands how to build culture and develop young players.”
The Titans fired Brian Callahan last October after a 1-5 start in his second season. Tennessee finished 3-14 in 2025 and currently holds the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team previously used the No. 1 overall pick in 2025 to select quarterback Cam Ward, who completed 59.8% of his passes for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions as a rookie.
Saleh’s arrival is expected to immediately improve a Titans defense that ranked 28th in points allowed per game (28.1) last season. His first major decision will be hiring an offensive coordinator to guide Ward’s development and stabilize the offense.
Tennessee also restructured its front office ahead of the coaching search, giving general manager Mike Borgonzi final authority over the roster and primary responsibility for selecting the next head coach.
