Robert Saleh Returns to Head Coaching With Tennessee Titans

Robert Saleh knows better than most the challenges that come with moving from coordinator to head coach. His first head coaching gig with the New York Jets didn’t go as planned, ending in the middle of his fourth season after a 2-3 start in 2024. Yet Saleh’s return to the sidelines as a defensive play-caller has reinvigorated his approach and offered fresh insight into what it takes to lead a team successfully.

Returning to the San Francisco 49ers, where he had served as defensive coordinator before his Jets hire, gave Saleh a chance to reconnect directly with players. Calling plays again allowed him to focus on relationships, an element he believes is essential to winning at the NFL level. “One of the things that I feel is my strengths is my connection to the players,” Saleh said on The Rich Eisen Show. “Not calling plays in New York kept me from being connected the way I needed to be.”

Saleh’s journey has been defined by highs and lows. After leaving San Francisco in 2021, he took over the Jets, hiring Jeff Ulbrich as his defensive coordinator. New York’s defense experienced a dramatic turnaround under Ulbrich, going from last in points allowed to fourth-best the following season. But inconsistent team performance, including 12th and 20th-place finishes in 2023 and 2024, ultimately overshadowed the defensive success.

Now, with the Tennessee Titans in need of a reset, Saleh is ready to take the lessons learned from his first head coaching experience and his renewed coordinator role to build a more balanced, competitive team in Nashville.

1. Lessons Learned in New York

Saleh’s Jets tenure offered valuable insights into the demands of running an NFL franchise. He ended with a 20-36 record over four seasons, highlighted by brief defensive highs but also extended periods of underperformance. His experience illustrated the fine line between coordinator and head coach responsibilities, especially in balancing strategy with player relationships. His decision to hire Ulbrich as defensive coordinator demonstrated an early understanding of delegation, and it paid off with a sudden leap in defensive effectiveness. The Jets’ defensive ranking jumped dramatically, showcasing Saleh’s ability to build a system and hire the right personnel, even if the offense and overall team performance lagged behind. However, the broader lessons were less tangible. Saleh recognized that stepping back from calling plays initially diminished his on-field connection with players, a key component for motivating and managing an NFL roster. This insight is now central to his philosophy as he re-enters the head coaching ranks. His time away from the top job, including a stint with the Green Bay Packers under Matt LaFleur, reinforced the value of focusing on fundamentals and building trust with players. The experience has reshaped his approach to leadership, preparing him for a second chance with a new franchise.

2. Returning to the 49ers

Saleh’s return to San Francisco allowed him to reconnect with a familiar system and a familiar set of expectations. As the 49ers’ defensive coordinator, he helped a team ranked 13th in points allowed continue its competitiveness while honing his own coaching instincts. The role also provided a clearer perspective on the interplay between strategy and relationships. By calling defensive plays again, Saleh could directly impact games while building rapport with players, a combination he found missing in New York. The experience reinforced his belief that effective leadership requires both tactical command and personal connection. Additionally, working within a strong organizational structure reminded Saleh of the importance of surrounding himself with capable staff. The 49ers’ culture emphasized collaboration, accountability, and execution — principles he intends to carry to Tennessee. Ultimately, this period acted as a bridge between his past struggles and future ambitions. It equipped Saleh with concrete strategies and renewed confidence, giving him a more nuanced toolkit for success as a head coach.

3. New Challenges in Tennessee

The Titans enter the offseason on the heels of back-to-back three-win seasons, having dismissed head coach Brian Callahan after a 1-5 start in 2024. The organization is seeking a clear direction, and Saleh represents a coach who combines NFL experience with lessons learned from both triumphs and setbacks. Tennessee’s roster will require careful assessment, particularly in balancing offensive talent with a defense capable of consistent execution. Saleh’s prior success in building strong defensive systems will be critical, as will his focus on player relationships to foster a culture of accountability and trust. His experience with New York and San Francisco gives him a unique vantage point on managing pressure and expectations. He understands the consequences of missteps but also the opportunity for course correction when a team commits to his vision. With a second chance to lead, Saleh has an opportunity to transform the Titans into a competitive force in the NFL while applying hard-earned lessons that extend beyond X’s and O’s. His renewed approach will test whether this time, the jump from coordinator to head coach can truly pay dividends.