Titans SHOCKER! Stealing 49ers' Saleh: Genius Hire or Risky Gamble?!

The Tennessee Titans are reportedly on the verge of naming Robert Saleh as their new head coach. It's a move that's been whispered about for a few days now, and according to multiple sources, the deal is all but done. If it goes through, Saleh, currently the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, will be taking the reins from interim coach Mike McCoy, who stepped in during the 2025 season.

Titans SHOCKER! Stealing 49ers' Saleh: Genius Hire...

This is a bit of a carousel for Saleh, who only just rejoined the 49ers last season. He previously orchestrated their defense from 2017 to 2020, before heading east to become the head coach of the New York Jets in 2021. That stint didn't exactly pan out, as the Jets ultimately let him go in 2024. The allure of the Bay Area clearly brought him back, but it seems the head coaching bug has bitten him again.

The move raises some interesting questions for both teams. For the Titans, it signals a clear intention to shore up their defense. While McCoy did his best in the interim, a seasoned defensive mind like Saleh brings a level of expertise and experience that could really transform that side of the ball. The Titans have been teetering on the edge of playoff contention for a while now. Maybe a strong defensive identity is just what they need to push them over.

Of course, the 49ers are now left scrambling for a defensive coordinator. This will be the fourth time in as many seasons they've had to fill that role. Talk about instability! Saleh's second stint wasn't exactly a defensive revolution; the team ranked 13th in points allowed and 20th in yards allowed last season. Still, finding the right person to maintain a consistent scheme and develop young talent will be crucial for the 49ers' continued success.

It's a tough situation for San Francisco. Losing a coordinator, even after only a year, disrupts continuity. You have to wonder if this constant turnover is impacting the team's long-term defensive development. Whoever they bring in next will need to hit the ground running. As for Saleh, it's a second chance to prove himself as a head coach. He's got a talented roster in Tennessee and a team that's hungry to win. It'll be fascinating to see what he can do with it.