Cleveland Browns: Robert Saleh A Sleeper Head Coach Candidate?

With the Cleveland Browns moving on from Freddie Kitchens, the organization finds itself looking for another head coach this offseason. One intriguing candidate the Browns may be moved by is Robert Saleh, the current defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers.

Well Cleveland Browns fans, here we are again. Another off season and another head coach to find. While many believe that current New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is the favorite to land the gig in Cleveland, many are also starting to wonder if San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh may emerge from this process as the next head coach of the Browns.

Saleh has a very interesting football resume, and is one that should be given a closer look. While he began his coaching career at the college level, he became an intern with the Houston Texans in 2005 where he worked with then head coach Gary Kubiak, as a defensive quality control coach. Following a couple years in that role, he was promoted as the assistant linebackers coach in the 2009 season. In that role, he got to help develop rookie linebacker Brian Cushing, who went on to be 2009 NFL AP Defensive Rookie of The Year.

Following his stint with the Texans, Saleh was hired as a defensive quality control coach for the Seattle Seahawks, working under Pete Carroll. With the Seahawks, he got to work for the organization in the beginning of the “Legion of Boom” era, where he helped prepare the unit for game day. As a member of the Seahawks, Saleh was with the team when they won Super Bowl XLVIII in 2013.

Afterwards, Saleh went to the Jacksonville Jaguars where he was the linebackers coach for the team. After a few years with the Jaguars, he was hired as the defensive coordinator of the 49ers in 2017. 2019 has been his best season yet as defensive coordinator with the team. A lot of success has come from the 49ers incredible defensive line, consisting of players such as Nick Bosa, DeForest Buckner, and Arik Armstead.

One thing Browns fan should be excited for is that if Saleh came in, the Browns have a lot of talent that can be developed on the defensive side of the ball. Browns defensive end Myles Garrett will be looking to come back in 2020 as candidate for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Perhaps the addition of Saleh as head coach could help this young defense make the next step into elite territory.

Whoever the Browns do end up with as their new head coach, it is going to be interesting to see how things turn out. It will also be intriguing to see what staff is brought in to support the new head coach.

Would you like to see Robert Saleh as the new head coach? Here’s to hoping that Paul DePodesta and the Haslams make the right choice this time around.