NFL Rumors: 2 Teams Pursuing Robert Saleh To Be Their Head Coach

With reports saying John Harbaugh has finalized a deal with the New York Giants, teams that were waiting on that domino have started pivoting, and Robert Saleh has quickly emerged as one of the most pursued options left on the board.

Titans and Dolphins line up interviews with Saleh

Miami is moving first on the calendar, with Ian Rapoport reporting the Dolphins are interviewing Saleh as part of their ongoing search. 

Call me crazy, despite his Jets stink, but I am beginning to think more and more that Robert Saleh makes a lot of sense for the Dolphins.

I love his defensive scheme. He has HC experience. And he's a good example of somebody whose second act will be better than his first. pic.twitter.com/xODj7597Ga

— Matt Infante (@MattInfante) January 13, 2026

Tennessee is not far behind either, with Saleh scheduled to meet with the Titans on Sunday, putting both franchises in direct competition for one of the cycle’s most recognizable defensive leaders.

Why Saleh is suddenly the hot pivot after Harbaugh

Saleh has already been an NFL head coach, going 20-36 with the New York Jets, and he is back coordinating a San Francisco 49ers defense deep into the playoffs, which keeps his profile high even while he is still coaching. 

For the Dolphins, the interview fits a search that has leaned heavily into coordinators while the franchise resets under new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. 

Need the Titans to hire Robert Saleh just to see him and Coen go at it twice a year😂😂

📹:@ActionSportsJax pic.twitter.com/B6wIeCKlkY

— SleeperJaguars (@SleeperJaguars) January 15, 2026

For the Titans, it pairs naturally with a team that needs an identity reset and a steady hand on the sideline, and now that Harbaugh is trending to New York, the urgency to secure a top tier candidate has only gone up. 

Photo Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images