It looks like a Cowboys head coach candidate and interviewee is now out of the race.

Former Jets head coach Robert Saleh, who interviewed for Dallas’ open head coaching position on Jan. 18, is expected to be hired by the San Francisco 49ers as their defensive coordinator, according to a report by The Athletic. It would be a return to The Bay for Saleh, who served in the same position before being hired as the Jets’ head coach in 2021.

The report states that Saleh is still technically in the running for the Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders’ head coaching positions, and that if he were to land one of those gigs it would change his plans with San Francisco. But it also states that he’s not a top choice for either job. Dallas Morning News Cowboys insiders Calvin Watkins and David Moore each reported on Thursday about Dallas’ search heading in a different direction than Saleh.

Related:After some twists and turns, Dallas Cowboys’ search for head coach could be nearing an end

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Saleh was the second candidate to officially interview for the Cowboys’ open position, following Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Dallas has also interviewed Leslie Frazier and Brian Schottenheimer.

Saleh was fired by the New York Jets in early October. He was 20-36 before he became the first coach to be fired in the 2024 season.

Saleh, who had one year remaining on his contract, had the worst winning percentage (.357) of any Jets coach with at least 40 games.

He served as DC for the 49ers from 2017-2020, helping lead the team to a Super Bowl berth in 2019.

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