Sep 9, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (2) waits for the snap against the New York Jets at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
The Miami Dolphins officially interviewed defensive coordinator Robert Saleh on Thursday. However, it appears that San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir was not too pleased with the news.
On Thursday, Lenoir reacted to an Instagram post confirming that Miami had completed an interview with Saleh to replace fired head coach Mike McDaniel.
“Leave us alone we good man [cry emoji],” Lenoir captioned.
As the Dolphins look to replace McDaniel, with the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, and Tennessee Titans all looking to add a new head coach, Saleh might have a market.
Along with Miami, the Pittsburgh Steelers also announced they were looking to replace Mike Tomlin as their head coach after he stepped down on Jan. 13. Year 19 is officially over for Steelers HC Tomlin.
“I don’t think that anybody on our [current] staff is a candidate,” Steelers President Art Rooney II said.
It also seems like the Black and Gold have a specific vision for their fourth head coach since 1969. This directive forces the team to look externally. Rooney may want a fresh look for the franchise moving forward.
The 49ers’ defense reached a top ranking (11th in run defense) under Saleh during the season. The unit dealt with the loss of Nick Bosa early in the year, before suffering a Fred Warner injury.
Saleh holds a career head coaching record of 20-36 from his time with the New York Jets. In his 2025 return to the 49ers, the defensive coordinator maintained a top-10 unit for scoring defense.
The 49ers’ quest to reach the Super Bowl will continue on Saturday. They will face the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Round at Lumen Field, scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET.
MORE: 49ers WR Kendrick Bourne speaks out on ‘breath of fresh air’ after Patriots move
The fact that Saleh scheduled his remaining interviews for Sunday, avoiding a short week of preparation, bodes well for his focus on Saturday against the Seahawks, according to Ian Rapoport.
The Seahawks set a franchise record with 14 wins in 2025. Jaxon Smith-Njigba finished with 119 catches, leading the team in receiving, while adding a major threat to the passing game.
As for Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers quarterback might retire after joining Pittsburgh in 2025.
While the 49ers finished 13-5 as the No. 6 seed, internal stability is being tested while the team prepares for the Divisional Round.
