Will Kyle Shanahan hire Robert Saleh in 2024? 49ers insider gives clarity on San Francisco's position
San Francisco 49ers insider Michael Silver doesn't think the team will hire Robert Saleh, who was fired by the New York Jets on Tuesday. Saleh, a former defensive coordinator for the 49ers, has garnered calls from fans to return to his old position. However, Silver doesn't think that will happen anytime soon.
"You know how this goes: Many members of the viewing public have seen enough and want Sorensen fired (or demoted) and Saleh back in the job he held from 2017-20," Silver wrote.
"Like, now. It’s not happening, for numerous reasons. First, Shanahan isn’t giving up on Sorensen after a little more than a month."
Silver doesn't think Shanhan will fire 49ers defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen just one month after hiring him, especially given that the 49ers parted ways with DC Steve Wilks after the Super Bowl.
Another reason Silver doesn't think Saleh will be hired by the 49ers anytime soon is that he doubts the coach wants to jump right back into another job. Silver reports that Saleh plans to take an emotional break with his family, go on a vacation, and regroup. He intends to wait until the next coaching cycle in January.
As Silver writes, Saleh will explore potential coaching jobs next offseason before considering any coordinator positions., as he wants to take some much-needed time off.
Robert Saleh went 20-36 as the coach of the Jets.
Kyle Shanahan shocked by Robert Saleh's firing
Robert Saleh being fired was a bit of a surprise, especially the timing, and San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan was stunned by it.
Following the news of the firing, Shanahan spoke to the media and said he was surprised by the decision.
"I sent him a text, but I haven't gotten to talk to him," Shanahan said, via SI. "And yeah, I was pretty shocked. That stuff throws you off, especially when they're competing for first in the division this week and I think they're up there on defense and have got a pretty good team and a chance to have a hell of a year. So that was pretty surprising."
Saleh was on Shanahan's staff for four seasons and the two were on the same Houston Texans staff from 2006-09.