Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

49ers DC Robert Saleh Gives Blunt Response to Head Coaching Rumors

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Oct 24, 2025 12:43 AM ET

Key Points:

Robert Saleh was asked about potentially leaving
Saleh had a succinct and gruff response
He quickly exited the podium leaving fans to wonder

The San Francisco 49ers boast an opportunistic defense and a high powered offense led by a surprising QB, Mac Jones, heading into Sunday's 1 p.m. ET matchup with the Houston Texans in Houston.

The 49ers' defense is coached by former Jets head coach Robert Saleh, who is known throughout NFL circles as one of the brightest defensive minds in the game.

Saleh, a native of Michigan, has been linked to college football head coaching jobs recently during an NFL season that is still in full swing.

On Thursday, Saleh's was asked about the rumors and gave a blunt, forward thinking response.

Sep 28, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh (in red) reacts to a penalty during the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi's Stadium. Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Saleh Shifts Focus From Head Coach Reports

Saleh wasn't in the mood to talk about hypothetical future coaching positions as he shut down a reporter's question quickly.

"Some fans have already started preparing themselves mentally for your next head coaching opportunity," one reporter said to Saleh before asking if a head coaching job is his "end game."

"End game is trying to find a win on Sunday," Saleh said. "We'll go from there," he added before abruptly walking away from the podium.

Robert Saleh was asked if his end game is to get a head coaching job down the road:

“End game is to trying to find a win on Sunday. We’ll go from there.” pic.twitter.com/iMGw8N59y1
— Coach Yac (@Coach_Yac) October 23, 2025

Defensive Starters Give it a Go at Practice

The 49ers received positive news on starting defensive players this week as cornerbacks Upton Stout and Renardo Green were both limited but participated in Wednesday's session.

Stout missed the 49ers' win over the Falcons due to an ankle injury. Green played through a neck injury but suffered a toe injury.

Defensive back Deommodore Lenoir's lingering quad injury has heightened the urgency surrounding Stout and Green's potential return against a CJ Stroud led passing attack that is talented enough to give any NFL defense problems.

49ers Preparing for Challenging Game

The 49ers are slight favorites heading into Sunday's game despite tough-luck injuries including one to QB Brock Purdy that has called his status for the game into question.

Purdy is battling a turf toe problem that has kept him out since September 28 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and has played in just two games this season.

The 49ers' star players including Trent Williams and Christian McCaffrey give coach Kyle Shanahan's team enough firepower to compete with and beat anyone leaguewide but Sunday's game is a different kind of test with major playoff implications in both conferences riding on it.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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