Story byCameron BelcherFri, January 9, 2026 at 2:39 AM UTC·2 min readRobert Saleh praises the league's interview process ahead of Wild-Card matchup against Eagles originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. As the San Francisco 49ers prepare for a Wild-Card round game against the Philadelphia Eagles, many within the organization believe defensive coordinator Robert Saleh could be in line for a head coaching opportunity. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSaleh has earned this expectation with another season, leading the 49ers' defense to one of the best in the league despite injuries to crucial players such as defensive end Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner. Throughout the week, it has been reported that four of the eight teams with head-coaching vacancies have requested to interview Saleh, including the NFC West rival, the Arizona Cardinals. More: 49ers' Kyle Shanahan reveals honest opinion on Eagles QB Jalen Hurts ahead of playoff matchupHowever, with San Francisco beginning its postseason run on Sunday when it travels to Lincoln Financial Field to face the defending Super Bowl champion, the Eagles, news about Selah's interviews could be seen as a distraction. Still, Selah remains focused on the task at hand. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSaleh actually appreciates the interview process for head coach opportunitiesWhen asked on Thursday about how he has managed his time between preparing for the Eagles and thinking about his future opportunities, Selah expressed his gratitude for the league's interview process."The league has done a really nice job structuring the interview process to allow people to focus on the job at hand.
