In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s future with the team is suddenly in doubt. NFL insider Ian Rapoport dropped a bombshell report on January 18, revealing that the Tennessee Titans have narrowed their head coaching search to three finalists, including Saleh. This comes just one day after the 49ers’ crushing 41-6 divisional-round playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks, marking the end of their 2025 season.

According to Rapoport, the Titans’ shortlist features Saleh alongside Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley. The report highlights Saleh’s appeal as a defensive-minded leader with prior head coaching experience, making him a prime candidate to take over in Tennessee.

Further details emerged later that evening, with Rapoport noting that Saleh was scheduled for a virtual interview with the Titans on January 18. Sources close to the situation indicated that the initial Zoom call went well enough for the team to advance to an in-person meeting set for January 19. This rapid progression underscores the Titans’ interest in Saleh, who could bring his defensive expertise to a franchise looking to rebuild around young quarterback Cam Ward.

Saleh’s potential departure would be a significant blow to the 49ers, where he has been instrumental in shaping one of the league’s top defenses. If he lands the Titans job, Saleh’s focus would shift to developing Ward, the promising rookie signal-caller. As a defensive specialist, Saleh would prioritize assembling a strong offensive coaching staff to nurture Ward’s growth and steer the Titans’ offense in a positive direction.

This isn’t Saleh’s first rodeo as a head coach. He previously led the New York Jets from 2021 to 2024, where he faced challenges but gained valuable experience in managing a team. A second chance in Tennessee could allow him to apply those lessons while leveraging his proven track record in San Francisco.

Saleh isn’t the only key figure in the 49ers organization facing an uncertain offseason. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings, a vital part of the team’s receiving corps, is set to become an unrestricted free agent in mid-March. Negotiations for a long-term extension stalled before the 2025 season, leaving his return to San Francisco in question.

NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco provided insight into the situation on his YouTube channel on January 18. “The 49ers’ top free agent is Jauan Jennings, but there’s no guarantee he’ll be back after the sides couldn’t agree on a long-term extension before the season,” Maiocco explained. “The numbers I heard that Jennings and his representation were asking for—I don’t fault the 49ers for not signing off. Now, as he hits the open market, the team can gauge his value from other suitors and decide whether to match.”

Maiocco referenced the 49ers’ recent experience with linebacker Dre Greenlaw, where a similar strategy didn’t pan out as hoped. Despite that, he emphasized that Jennings remains a priority for the team, valued for his toughness and reliability in the slot.

The news of Saleh’s potential exit amplifies the sting of the 49ers’ playoff defeat. Against the Seahawks, the team struggled across the board, with injuries to star players compounding the issues. Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the performance in his postgame press conference.

“I thought no one played perfect,” Shanahan admitted. “No one played great today. No one coached great today. They got us pretty good. But I thought Brock [Purdy] made a number of plays out there. In the second half, it got away from all of us.”

If Saleh does depart for Tennessee, Shanahan will face the task of replacing a cornerstone of his staff ahead of the 2026 season. The 49ers’ defense, under Saleh’s guidance, has been a consistent strength, and finding a suitable successor won’t be easy.

As the NFL offseason heats up, the 49ers find themselves at a crossroads. Losing Saleh could force a defensive overhaul, while Jennings’ free agency adds another layer of complexity to roster building. With the Super Bowl just weeks away, the focus will soon shift to free agency and the draft.

For now, all eyes are on Saleh’s interviews with the Titans. If Rapoport’s report holds true, San Francisco could be saying goodbye to one of its most influential coaches. Stay tuned as this story develops— the bombshell in the Bay Area is just the beginning of what promises to be a dramatic offseason.