Packers-49ers Q&A: Why didn’t Robert Saleh land a head-coaching job?

On Sunday, the Green Bay Packers return to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since the 2016 season. There, they will face off against the San Francisco 49ers, the No. 1 seed in the conference. Kyle Posey of Niners Nation kindly volunteered to answer our questions about the 49ers and provide some insight into their strengths and weaknesses.

APC: When we last spoke, 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh appeared to be at the top of any head-coaching wish list. Though he interviewed for some open positions, Saleh didn’t land one and will return to San Francisco next season. Why do you think Saleh remains a defensive coordinator in 2020?

I’d say teams were scared of a one-year wonder, but there were other hires with one year experience. I think it’s pretty simple. Saleh is a defensive guy, and teams are trying to find the next Sean McVay. During his interview, Saleh laid out that some of the most successful franchises are led by defensive head coaches but to no avail. With that said, if the 49ers have a season anywhere near 2019 next year, Saleh is a goner.

We’d like to thank Kyle. Be sure to check out the rest of our Q&A session with Niners Nation over the course of the week as well as our Q&A session over there. As always, keep your internet machines tuned to Acme Packing Company this Sunday for our comprehensive game-day coverage of Packers versus 49ers.