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The Atlanta Falcons announced Monday night that they have completed an interview with San Francisco 49ers defense coordinator Robert Saleh for their head coaching position.
The Hawks are the first of several scheduled interviews for Saleh now that the 49ers season is over. He is also scheduled to coach the Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Saleh has spent the past four years as the 49ers defense coordinator under head coach Kyle Shanahan. Despite many serious injuries to their defense this year, including Nick Bosa, Richard Sherman, Solomon Thomas and others, the 49ers still managed to finish the year as the league’s fifth unit in total defense. They allowed fourth place in the passing meter and tied for seventh place in the rush.
The interview with the Falcons was virtually conducted. Candidates from teams whose seasons are finished may conduct personal interviews, but Saleh’s talks with the Hawks were held via a video call.
The Hawks also interviewed Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy earlier Monday, also virtually because the Chiefs are in the playoffs.