NFL rumors: Robert Saleh to interview with Chargers for second time

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Matt Maiocco
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Report: Saleh to interview with Chargers for second time originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea

The Los Angeles Chargers reportedly will seek a second interview with 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh for the organization's head-coaching job.

Saleh initially conducted a virtual interview with the Chargers on Saturday. The Chargers are expected to interview him a second time, NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported Thursday. 

Anthony Lynn was fired after four seasons with the Chargers, during which time his teams compiled a 33-31 record and made one playoff appearance.

The Chargers figure to be one of the more attractive openings of the hiring cycle due to quarterback Justin Herbert, who set NFL rookie passing records this season passing yards (4,336), passing touchdowns (31) and completions (396).

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Saleh has interviewed with six of the seven NFL teams with head-coaching openings. On Wednesday, he conducted a second interview with the New York Jets.

Thus far, the Jets have held second interviews with only two candidates, Saleh and Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

Saleh is meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday. He also has conducted interviews with the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Houston Texans are the only team with a head coach opening that has not shown interest in Saleh.

Saleh, 41, has 16 seasons of NFL coaching experience, including the past four as defensive coordinator on Kyle Shanahan's staff with the 49ers.

RELATED: What makes 49ers' Saleh such an attractive coaching candidate

In 2019, Saleh was named Coordinator of the Year by The Sporting News after the 49ers ranked No. 1 in the league in pass defense with the fewest yards per game from any team in the NFL in a decade.

Despite losses to many key defensive players, including Nick Bosa and Richard Sherman, the 49ers still ranked in the top five in a number of defensive categories, including yards per game (314.3), passing yards per game (207.9) and third-down (35.5 percent). His unit also ranked in the top 10 in rushing yards per game (106.4) and red zone touchdowns (57.8 percent).

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