Is a Shocking Robert Saleh Move by the Cowboys Coming to Troll the 49ers?

FRISCO – The Dallas Cowboys have moved on from Mike McCarthy and have begun a literal nationwide search to identify the next head coach of their franchise. That lucky coach could come from a mixed bag of potential candidates spanning from the high school ranks all the way to the most seasoned NFL veterans.

The musings of Deion Sanders and Jason Witten have stormed the headlines this week. However, the Cowboys have made actual extensions for interviews to several targets the past few days within the NFL realm.

Robert Saleh was the first to have his name called and he is set to interview later this week. Leslie Frazier and Kellen Moore have also popped up at the onset of the early interview process.

The former New York Jets head coach that is generating the most intrigue though as he remains a popular candidate for several other vacancies around the league that include head coaching and defensive coordinator responsibilities.

The San Francisco 49ers are one of the teams with their eye on Saleh in hopes he may return to lead their defense next season. San Francisco will fill that vacancy after firing Nick Sorenson last week.

But could the Niners’ wait on Saleh put them in jeopardy as they search for a new defensive coordinator? The interview pool for this job has been small thus far, having only interviewed two candidates including Saleh.

While the Cowboys will make their decision on more than just revenge, a Saleh hire would be a major shakeup for the Niners’ plans.

Assuming the Cowboys offer the job to Saleh, they are not only claiming one of the most heralded defensive leaders off the coaching carousel, they could be bringing in some added benefits on the offensive side.

Saleh has worked closely with those in the Shanahan coaching tree and since he would not run that side of the ball himself, it is hard to imagine him not exploring that route to lift a group with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.

With one move, the Cowboys could foil their rival’s plans of reunion and simultaneously employ a system to counter what has been their kryptonite for half a decade.

Of course, there are no guarantees here and Saleh may not be atop the Cowboys’ wish list. But the Cowboys should be in the same boat with the other Saleh suitors in recognizing the impact he can have if he takes their job.