Last Updated on November 7, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Robert Saleh is an American professional football coach who serves as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans in the National Football League (NFL). Born on January 31, 1979, in Dearborn, Michigan, Saleh has built a successful coaching career while maintaining strong relationships with his wife, children, parents and siblings.
Beyond football, Robert Saleh is a husband and father of eight children. He is married to Sanaa Saleh, a philanthropist who founded Sanaa’s Stars, a nonprofit organization supporting children affected by sexual abuse.
His parents are Sam Saleh and Fatin Saleh, who raised their family in Dearborn, Michigan. Robert also has three siblings, including his older brother David Saleh, whose survival of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks helped inspire Robert’s decision to pursue a coaching career.
Saleh’s family has played an important role in his personal development, professional decisions and approach to leadership.
Robert Saleh’s Wife: Who Is Sanaa Saleh?
Robert Saleh is married to Sanaa Saleh, his longtime partner and the mother of their eight children.
The couple married in 2007, years before Robert became an NFL head coach.
Sanaa generally maintains a private personal life, although she has appeared alongside her husband at football games, official team events and family celebrations.
She is also involved in charitable work, particularly initiatives supporting vulnerable children and families.
According to People magazine and the New York Jets, Sanaa founded a nonprofit organization called Sanaa’s Stars in 2019.
Her work has attracted public recognition, including support from Robert during the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats campaign.
The couple has remained together through Robert’s coaching appointments in several NFL cities, including Houston, Seattle, Jacksonville, San Francisco, New York and Nashville.
When Did Robert Saleh and Sanaa Get Married?
Robert Saleh and Sanaa married in 2007.
The wedding also involved another future NFL head coach: Matt LaFleur, who served as Robert’s best man.
According to People magazine, Saleh and LaFleur developed a close friendship while working as graduate assistants at Central Michigan University.
The two coaches shared an apartment during their early careers and maintained their friendship as they moved into the NFL.
When Saleh married Sanaa, he chose LaFleur to stand beside him at the ceremony.
The friendship continued as both men eventually became NFL head coaches.
Although the wedding year and LaFleur’s involvement are publicly documented, the couple has not extensively disclosed other details about the ceremony.
Who Is Sanaa Saleh?
Sanaa Saleh is best known publicly for her marriage to Robert Saleh and her charitable work.
In 2019, she established Sanaa’s Stars, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children affected by sexual abuse.
The organization works to provide encouragement, comfort and practical support to survivors and their families.
One of its initiatives involves distributing care packages containing items intended to offer emotional support.
Through partnerships with other organizations, Sanaa’s Stars has helped distribute care packages to children and families experiencing difficult circumstances.
During a December 2022 interview with the New York Jets, Robert expressed admiration for his wife’s dedication to the organization while raising their children.
He explained that her willingness to help vulnerable children was something he deeply respected.
Although Sanaa’s charitable work is publicly documented, details about her education, occupation outside philanthropy and early personal life remain largely private.
How Robert Saleh Supports His Wife’s Charity
Robert Saleh publicly supported Sanaa’s Stars during the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats campaign in December 2022.
He wore specially designed footwear promoting the organization while coaching the New York Jets.
According to the Jets, the campaign gave coaches and players an opportunity to raise awareness for causes important to them.
Saleh explained that his wife’s charitable mission was also important to him.
The Jets Women’s Organization participated in preparing and distributing 200 care packages through the initiative.
The project demonstrated how Robert and Sanaa have worked together to support causes outside professional football.
Robert Saleh’s Children
Robert Saleh and his wife, Sanaa, have eight children: six sons and two daughters.
Their sons are Adam, Zane, Michael, Sam, Jacob and Robert Jr. Their daughters are Mila and Ella.
All eight children are identified by name in the Tennessee Titans’ official 2026 coaching biography.
Older biographies published during Saleh’s time with the New York Jets listed seven children. The updated Titans records confirm that the family has since grown to eight.
Adam Saleh – Son
Adam Saleh is one of Robert and Sanaa Saleh’s six sons.
His name appears in the official coaching biographies published by the Tennessee Titans and previously by the New York Jets.
Although Robert has discussed his children’s interest in sports, reliable public reporting does not establish Adam’s exact birth date or individual athletic achievements.
Zane Saleh – Son
Zane Saleh is another son of Robert and Sanaa Saleh.
He is identified in the Tennessee Titans’ official family information.
Like his siblings, Zane has generally been kept outside extensive media coverage, and details about his education and personal interests remain private.
Michael Saleh – Son
Michael Saleh is one of the couple’s sons.
His identity is confirmed in both the New York Jets’ earlier coaching biography and the Tennessee Titans’ updated profile.
Robert has spoken about the importance of encouraging his children to participate in athletics, although individual information about Michael’s sporting activities has not been reliably established.
Sam Saleh – Son
Sam Saleh is another son of Robert and Sanaa.
He shares his first name with his paternal grandfather, Sam Saleh.
His name appears in official NFL coaching records, but his birth date and other personal details have not been widely reported.
Jacob Saleh – Son
Jacob Saleh is one of Robert and Sanaa Saleh’s six sons.
He was already included in family records published during Robert’s tenure with the New York Jets.
Although the family has occasionally appeared together at football events, Jacob’s personal life has remained largely private.
Robert Saleh Jr. – Son
Robert Saleh Jr. is the sixth son named in the Tennessee Titans’ 2026 coaching biography.
He was not included in the older Jets biography, which listed the couple’s first seven children.
His inclusion explains why some older online articles report that Robert and Sanaa have seven children, while the more recent official Titans records list eight.
His exact birth date has not been independently established in the reliable sources reviewed.
Mila Saleh – Daughter
Mila Saleh is one of Robert and Sanaa Saleh’s two daughters.
She is identified in official biographies published by both the Jets and Titans.
Although Saleh has discussed his children’s participation in sports, Mila’s personal details have generally remained outside public reporting.
Ella Saleh – Daughter
Ella Saleh is the couple’s other daughter.
Her identity is confirmed in Robert Saleh’s official Tennessee Titans coaching biography.
Like Mila, she has occasionally been included in public family appearances, but detailed information about her age and personal life remains private.
How Robert Saleh Balances Fatherhood and NFL Coaching
Robert Saleh has frequently described his family as the central motivation behind his professional ambitions.
In a 2021 interview cited by People magazine, Saleh explained that his wife and children were the reason he worked hard every day.
He described making an effort to say goodbye to his family each morning before leaving for work.
Despite the demanding schedule of an NFL head coach, he has emphasized the importance of maintaining close family relationships.
In August 2026, Saleh discussed parenting eight children during an interview with NFL reporter Peter Schrager.
He explained that his children were becoming increasingly involved in sports, including football, soccer and basketball.
Saleh also praised Sanaa for managing family schedules and transporting the children to their activities.
The interview provided insight into how the couple balances professional football with the responsibilities of raising a large family.
Robert Saleh’s Family Move to Tennessee
Robert Saleh became the head coach of the Tennessee Titans in January 2026.
His appointment required another relocation for his wife and children after previous moves connected to his NFL coaching career.
Rather than delaying the transition, Saleh prioritized helping his family settle into their new community.
In an April 2026 interview published by the Tennessee Titans, he confirmed that he and Sanaa had purchased a house in the Nashville area.
He also explained that their eight children had enrolled in school and become involved in local athletic activities.
Saleh described Nashville as a welcoming environment for raising children.
During an August interview, he explained that moving before the summer allowed the children to make friends and become comfortable in their new schools.
The decision reflected his belief that a major professional transition should also account for the well-being of his family.
Robert Saleh’s Parents
Robert Saleh was born to Sam Saleh and Fatin Saleh, who raised their family in Dearborn, Michigan.
Their names are confirmed in the New York Jets’ official 2024 media guide and reporting published by Sports Illustrated.
Both parents come from families with Lebanese roots, and their heritage influenced Robert’s upbringing in Dearborn’s Arab American community.
Sam Saleh – Robert Saleh’s Father
Sam Saleh is Robert Saleh’s father and a former college football player.
According to Sports Illustrated, Sam was born in Michigan and spent part of his childhood in Lebanon.
He later attended Fordson High School in Dearborn, where he became a standout football player.
Sam played linebacker and defensive line before earning an opportunity to continue his football career at Eastern Michigan University.
He played college football for four seasons and subsequently attended a Chicago Bears training camp.
However, a serious knee injury prevented him from establishing a professional playing career.
After football, Sam pursued a business career and eventually operated a furniture store in Dearborn with his wife.
His experience as a football player influenced Robert and his older brother David, both of whom developed an interest in the sport.
How Sam Saleh Influenced His Son’s Coaching Career
Sam Saleh helped introduce Robert to football during childhood.
Robert attended Fordson High School, where his father had previously played, before continuing his athletic career at Northern Michigan University.
According to reporting published by the New York Jets, Sam had hoped to pursue coaching after his playing career ended.
However, he eventually concentrated on business rather than becoming a full-time football coach.
Robert later pursued the coaching career that his father had considered.
The family’s football background provided an important connection between the generations.
Fatin Saleh – Robert Saleh’s Mother
Fatin Saleh is Robert Saleh’s mother.
Her identity is confirmed in the New York Jets’ official media guide and a 2017 Sports Illustrated feature.
According to Sports Illustrated, Fatin was born outside the United States and immigrated to America as a teenager.
She and Sam subsequently raised their children in Dearborn, Michigan.
The couple also operated a furniture business before retiring.
Fatin’s importance to Robert’s life became particularly visible during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
One of her sons, David, was working in the World Trade Center when the attacks occurred.
For several hours, the family did not know whether he had survived.
The experience deeply affected Robert and his parents, eventually influencing his decision to pursue a more meaningful professional path.
Robert Saleh’s Siblings
Robert Saleh is one of four children in his family, according to reporting published by the New York Daily News.
He is the third child, meaning he has three siblings.
His publicly identified sibling is his older brother David Saleh.
The names and personal backgrounds of the other two siblings have not been reliably established in the major sources reviewed.
David Saleh – Older Brother
David Saleh is Robert Saleh’s older brother and one of the most influential people in his life.
David pursued a career in finance and worked for Morgan Stanley in New York City.
Before moving into the financial sector, he played football at Fordson High School in Dearborn.
He also became involved in youth football coaching.
According to Sports Illustrated, Robert’s interest in football began partly through spending time around David’s youth football team.
When Robert was approximately five years old, he helped as a water boy for his older brother’s team.
The experience introduced him to the sport that eventually became his profession.
How David Saleh Survived the September 11 Attacks
On September 11, 2001, David Saleh was working as a financial adviser trainee for Morgan Stanley at the World Trade Center in New York City.
According to Sports Illustrated, he was on the 61st floor of the South Tower when the terrorist attacks began.
After witnessing an explosion at the neighboring North Tower, David decided to evacuate.
He entered a crowded stairwell and began making his way down the building.
David managed to escape before the South Tower collapsed.
However, his family in Michigan had difficulty contacting him.
For hours, Robert and his parents feared that David might have died in the attacks.
When the family finally learned that he had survived, Robert began reconsidering his own future.
The experience became one of the most important turning points in his life.
How David Saleh Inspired Robert to Become a Coach
At the time of the September 11 attacks, Robert Saleh was beginning a career in finance.
After graduating from Northern Michigan University, he had accepted a position as a credit analyst.
Although the work offered financial stability, he remained passionate about football.
His brother’s near-death experience forced him to consider whether he was pursuing the career he genuinely wanted.
Robert eventually left finance and began seeking opportunities in football coaching.
He joined Michigan State University’s coaching staff in 2002, starting a professional journey that would eventually lead to the NFL.
In subsequent interviews, Saleh acknowledged that David’s survival helped him recognize the importance of following his ambitions.
Robert Saleh’s Other Siblings
Robert Saleh has two additional siblings whose identities have not been reliably established in publicly accessible major reporting.
Although the New York Daily News described him as the third of four children, the report did not provide the names of all his siblings.
Therefore, further personal details about them should not be presented without verified evidence.
Robert Saleh’s Childhood and Family Background
Robert Saleh was born on January 31, 1979, in Dearborn, Michigan.
He grew up in a Lebanese American household where football and family were important parts of everyday life.
His father had played college football, while his older brother David also competed in the sport.
Saleh attended Fordson High School, where he developed into a talented football player.
He subsequently enrolled at Northern Michigan University and played tight end for four seasons.
After college, he briefly pursued a career in finance before deciding to enter coaching.
His experiences growing up in Dearborn and his family’s football background contributed to his approach to leadership.
Robert Saleh’s Coaching Career
Robert Saleh began his coaching career at Michigan State University in 2002.
He subsequently worked at Central Michigan University and the University of Georgia before joining the Houston Texans in 2005.
After six seasons in Houston, he moved to the Seattle Seahawks, where he was part of the coaching staff that won Super Bowl XLVIII.
Saleh then worked as a linebackers coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2014 through 2016.
In 2017, he became the defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers.
His defensive leadership helped San Francisco reach Super Bowl LIV following the 2019 season.
In 2021, the New York Jets hired Saleh as their head coach.
The appointment made him the first Muslim head coach in NFL history.
He coached the Jets until October 2024 before returning to San Francisco as defensive coordinator for the 2025 season.
On January 22, 2026, the Tennessee Titans officially announced Saleh as their new head coach.
The appointment brought another major professional opportunity and a new home for his wife and eight children.
Frequently Asked Questions About Robert Saleh’s Family
Who is Robert Saleh’s wife?
Robert Saleh’s wife is Sanaa Saleh, a philanthropist who founded the nonprofit organization Sanaa’s Stars in 2019.
When did Robert Saleh get married?
Robert Saleh and Sanaa married in 2007. Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur served as Robert’s best man.
How many children does Robert Saleh have?
Robert Saleh has eight children with his wife, Sanaa, according to the Tennessee Titans’ official 2026 coaching biography.
What are Robert Saleh’s children’s names?
His six sons are Adam, Zane, Michael, Sam, Jacob and Robert Jr. His two daughters are Mila and Ella.
Why do some websites say Robert Saleh has seven children?
Older biographies listed seven children. The updated Tennessee Titans biography confirms eight, including a sixth son named Robert Jr.
Who is Robert Saleh’s father?
His father is Sam Saleh, a former Eastern Michigan University football player who later operated a furniture business in Dearborn.
Who is Robert Saleh’s mother?
His mother is Fatin Saleh, who helped raise the family in Dearborn, Michigan.
How many siblings does Robert Saleh have?
Robert Saleh has three siblings. His older brother David is publicly identified, while the names of his other two siblings have not been reliably established.
Who is Robert Saleh’s brother?
His older brother is David Saleh, a finance professional who survived the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center.
How did Robert Saleh’s brother survive 9/11?
David was working in the South Tower of the World Trade Center and evacuated down a stairwell before the building collapsed.
Why did Robert Saleh become a football coach?
His brother’s survival of the September 11 attacks helped motivate Robert to leave his finance career and pursue his passion for football coaching.
Where is Robert Saleh’s family from?
Robert Saleh was born and raised in Dearborn, Michigan, in a family with Lebanese roots.
What does Sanaa Saleh do?
Sanaa is a philanthropist who founded Sanaa’s Stars, an organization supporting children affected by sexual abuse and their families.
When did Robert Saleh become the Tennessee Titans head coach?
The Tennessee Titans officially hired Robert Saleh as their head coach on January 22, 2026.
Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
