5 candidates to replace Ron Rivera as Panthers head coach

3. Robert Saleh, 49ers Defensive Coordinator

Saleh is in his third season as defensive coordinator in San Francisco, and he’s at the helm of the league’s No. 2 defense in terms of total yards (253 per game) and points allowed (15.5 per game) through 11 weeks this season. With his high energy sideline demeanor, television cameras regular capture him to give him a level of star quality.

Of course there are drawbacks to getting that sort of attention during a game where the defense doesn’t perform especially well, as Peter King went with a “get off my lawn” angle after the 49ers’ Week 10 loss to the Seahawks on Monday Night Football.

San Francisco’s usage of high draft picks along the defensive line, and some well-placed outside additions, would help any coordinator succeed. But Saleh deserves credit for orchestrating things to allow that talent to succeed at a high level, individually and collectively.

A recent tilt toward young offensive minds stands to push someone like Saleh to the back burner in the upcoming NFL head coaching cycle. But he should get multiple interviews anyway, and one may very well be in Carolina if (when) Rivera is fired.