Report: Cardinals request to interview Saleh for head coaching vacancy

The Arizona Cardinals have submitted a request to interview San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh for their head coaching vacancy, a source told The MMQB's Albert Breer.

Saleh previously served as the head coach of the New York Jets from 2021- 24. The Jets fired him midway through his fourth campaign after assembling a 20-36 record.

The Michigan native interviewed with the Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, and Jacksonville Jaguars during last offseason's coaching carousel.

However, Saleh rejoined the Niners this season for his second stint as the franchise's defensive play-caller after holding the same role from 2017-20. Saleh helped guide a stingy San Francisco defense that surrendered 21.8 points per game this campaign despite missing key players such as Fred Warner and Nick Bosa.

Arizona has started the organization's search for a replacement for Jonathan Gannon, who the team dismissed Monday after a 3-14 record in his third season.

The Cardinals appear to be targeting defensive-minded candidates.

Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is also expected to interview for Arizona's vacancy, along with other open roles, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Additionally, the Cardinals have requested to interview the Miami Dolphins' Anthony Weaver, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.