N※N

Robert Saleh Sought After by Cardinals, Raiders

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. ert-saleh-sought-after-by-cardinals-raiders.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 12:44 GMT by Sporting News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Phoenix, AZ & Las Vegas, NV - February 4th, 2026 - Just one year after a flurry of head coaching changes, the NFL is already experiencing another round of upheaval. Today, reports surfaced that both the Arizona Cardinals and the Las Vegas Raiders have requested interviews with former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh, signaling a potential resurgence for the defensive-minded coach. This development comes on the heels of the Cardinals' surprising dismissal of Jonathan Gannon earlier today, and follows the Raiders' mid-season firing of Josh McDaniels last year, a move which saw Antonio Pierce take the helm on an interim basis.

Saleh, who served as the Jets' head coach from 2021 to 2023, compiled a 17-33 record during his tenure. While his overall record isn't stellar, the circumstances surrounding his departure from New York, and the current landscape of the NFL, are fueling his return to coaching contention. The Jets, plagued by injuries - particularly to quarterback Aaron Rodgers - struggled to consistently compete, and Saleh was ultimately relieved of his duties following a 7-10 season in 2023. However, many observers noted that the team showed flashes of potential, especially defensively, under his leadership.

Before taking the top job with the Jets, Saleh established himself as a respected defensive coordinator, first with the San Francisco 49ers and then with the Jets from 2019-20. His defensive schemes consistently ranked among the league's best, earning him widespread praise. This defensive expertise is likely a significant factor in both the Cardinals and Raiders' interest.

The Cardinals' decision to part ways with Jonathan Gannon after just one season is particularly noteworthy. Gannon, hired with high expectations after a successful run as the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, struggled to revitalize a Cardinals team undergoing a major rebuild. While the Cardinals showed some improvement in the latter half of the 2025 season, it wasn't enough to convince ownership to retain him. The Cardinals are clearly prioritizing a coach who can establish a strong defensive foundation, and Saleh fits that mold perfectly. Arizona also possesses the #5 overall pick in the upcoming draft, potentially giving their new coach a key building block in a young quarterback.

The Raiders' situation is somewhat different. Antonio Pierce stabilized the team after taking over mid-season, leading them to a respectable finish. However, the Raiders ownership appears to be looking for a long-term solution with a proven track record, and while Pierce is a strong candidate, Saleh brings experience as a head coach, albeit limited. There's speculation that the Raiders want a coach who can fully unlock the potential of their offensive weapons, but a strong defensive identity is still valued by the organization's fanbase.

What Does This Mean for the Coaching Landscape?

Saleh's re-emergence in the coaching conversation highlights a trend in the NFL: teams are increasingly willing to give coaches second chances, especially those who demonstrated competence in key areas like defense. The pressure to win immediately is intense, but organizations are also recognizing the value of building a strong culture and developing young players. Saleh's background as a defensive coordinator and his ability to connect with players could be seen as valuable assets in both Arizona and Las Vegas.

Furthermore, this coaching search signals a potential shift in NFL philosophy. For years, offensive-minded coaches have dominated the hiring cycle. However, with the increasing importance of defense in a league where offenses are becoming more sophisticated, teams may be placing a greater emphasis on coaches who can consistently shut down opposing attacks.

The Cardinals and Raiders aren't the only teams with head coaching vacancies this offseason. Several other teams are also conducting searches, creating a competitive market for experienced coaches. The next few weeks promise to be a whirlwind of interviews and speculation as teams attempt to find the right leaders to guide their franchises to success. The question now is whether Saleh can capitalize on this opportunity and secure a second chance to prove himself as a head coach.