Titans to hire 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh as head coach: Source

The New York Times • January 20, 2026 • sports

Key Points:

The Tennessee Titans are finalizing a deal to hire Robert Saleh, currently the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator, as their next head coach.
Saleh, 46, was previously the New York Jets head coach from 2021 until his mid-2024 firing, compiling a 20-36 record without playoff appearances.
The Titans conducted multiple interviews with top coaching candidates, including Jeff Hafley and Matt Nagy, before selecting Saleh, who is known for strong defensive leadership despite recent team challenges.
Saleh inherits a Titans team seeking defensive improvement after ranking near the bottom in points allowed in 2025 and aims to build around quarterback Cam Ward, the 2025 No. 1 draft pick