Robert Saleh might be returning to the AFC East to coach a Jets rival

Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh has emerged as one of the most popular candidates in this year's coaching cycle, and the latest team to put in a request for an interview could mark his return to the AFC East.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Saturday that the Miami Dolphins had officially requested to interview with Saleh, who is currently the San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator.

The Dolphins are the fifth team to request an interview with Saleh, following the lead of the Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, and Tennessee Titans, who submitted their requests earlier this week.

Only three of the eight teams with head coach openings have not approached Saleh, and that could change in the near future. The ex-Jets head coach has become a hot commodity in this year's cycle, and it's very possible his next job could land him back in the AFC East.

Ex-Jets head coach Robert Saleh could coach the Dolphins in 2026

It feels like only a matter of time until Saleh lands another head coaching opportunity. The Michigan native was widely viewed as the odds-on favorite to become the Jacksonville Jaguars’ head coach a year ago and likely would have landed the job if not for a late change of heart by then-Tampa Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen.

Saleh returned as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator under Kyle Shanahan in 2025 and once again demonstrated his defensive acumen. Despite dealing with constant injuries, the unit finished 20th in total defense at 340.2 yards allowed per game and ranked 13th in scoring defense, surrendering 21.8 points per contest.

It remains unclear which direction the Dolphins will take in their head coaching search, but Saleh is a legitimate candidate and is expected to be a finalist for at least one opening this offseason.

Miami has been heavily linked to recently fired John Harbaugh, with some reports even suggesting the Dolphins were the favorites to land the former Ravens head coach. However, the team’s recent decision to hire Jon-Eric Sullivan away from the Packers as general manager appears to have cooled that speculation.

Whether he ultimately lands in Miami or elsewhere, Saleh remains a popular name on this year’s coaching carousel. Teams around the league do not appear to be holding his 20–36 record over 56 games with the Jets — a .357 winning percentage — against him and seem willing to give him another opportunity.

Saleh appears likely to land another head coaching opportunity in the near future, and it may just come in South Beach.