The Dallas Cowboys’ search for a new head coach appears to be nearing its conclusion, with Brian Schottenheimer reportedly “close” to finalizing a deal to take over the position. However, former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll remains a potential candidate in the mix.
Meanwhile, interest in Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has waned, particularly after his odds of landing the job dropped significantly in betting markets on Monday. While Moore is not officially ruled out, his chances seem to have diminished.
Robert Saleh No Longer in Contention for Cowboys HC Role
One candidate who is now definitively out of the running is former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh. According to a report from The Athletic, Saleh is expected to return to the San Francisco 49ers as their defensive coordinator, a role he previously held before his tenure with the Jets.
Saleh had been one of four coaches interviewed by the Cowboys for the head coaching vacancy, alongside Schottenheimer, Moore, and Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier. Carroll’s late emergence as a contender added another layer of complexity to the search.
Why Did Saleh Accept the 49ers’ Defensive Coordinator Position?
Despite being interviewed for the Cowboys’ head coaching job, Saleh never seemed like a frontrunner, with Schottenheimer and Moore receiving the bulk of attention. The Cowboys’ owner, Jerry Jones, appeared to favor offensive-minded candidates with prior ties to the team.
Additionally, Saleh was considered a strong candidate for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ head coaching position until late Thursday. The Athletic reported that he was expected to fly to Jacksonville for a second interview on Friday. However, the situation shifted dramatically when Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen re-entered the Jaguars’ coaching search and emerged as the favorite. This development coincided with Jacksonville’s decision to part ways with general manager Trent Baalke, making the job more appealing to Coen.
As a result, Saleh canceled his planned interview with Jacksonville, effectively ending his pursuit of a head coaching opportunity for this cycle. With limited options remaining, he opted to return to San Francisco, where he had prior success leading the defense.
A Familiar Role with Long-Term Potential
Saleh’s return to the 49ers allows him to step back into a system he knows well, work with players he previously coached, and reunite with head coach Kyle Shanahan. Given San Francisco’s injury-riddled 2024 season, many expect a strong rebound in 2025. If the 49ers’ defense performs at a high level, Saleh could position himself for another head coaching opportunity in 2026 or beyond.