LA Chargers: Grading five potential 2021 head coaching hires

Robert Saleh

Unlike Del Rio and Brady, Robert Saleh seems like a relative lock for coaching job this season. He’s going to get an opportunity, whether it’s with the Chargers or another organization.

Rumors floating around say that Saleh already has his eyes on the head coaching opening in Detroit. Richard Sherman told Albert Breer, “He has to get the Detroit job”. Saleh may be a shoe in for the Lions’ job with his ties to the Michigan area.

That shouldn’t stop the Chargers from interviewing Saleh though. He’s arguably the best defensive coordinator in the league with the job he’s done this year. Sure, the defense that got the Niners to the Super Bowl last year was loaded. This year has been a different story entirely though.

Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas both tore their ACLs in the same game. They’ve been out since September. Their secondary has had key injuries to players like Sherman, Jaquiski Tartt, and Johnathan Cyprien. Frankly, apart from the injury to Derwin James, the Niners have been hit harder by the injury bug defensively than the Chargers.

Despite all of that, Saleh has San Francisco ranked sixth in total defense, tenth in rushing defense, and fourth in passing defense. That is nothing less than an amazing feat.

His players always speak very highly of him. The idea of bringing some of those Shanahan-like offensive schemes to the table is nothing short of mouth-watering if he brings some 49ers’ assistant coaches to Los Angeles.

Out of the hot names people throw around, Saleh has the most tangible great qualities.

Robert Saleh: A