BREAKING: Jets hire Robert Saleh to be their new head coach
The Jets have found their next head coach.
Robert Saleh will leave his post as 49ers defensive coordinator and take over Gang Green, the Jets announced. He is signing a five-year deal with New York, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The news follows Saleh’s second interview with the Jets on Tuesday.
Saleh received heavy interest on the head-coaching free agent market, but Joe Douglas made sure to seal the deal following their first in-person meet and greet.
Saleh, known for being a passionate, player-friendly coach, has been San Francisco’s defensive coordinator since 2017. He was Jacksonville’s linebackers coach and Seattle’s defensive quality control coach before heading to the Bay Area. He also spent a number of seasons with the Texans, starting off as an intern in 2005.
Saleh is a Michigan native and was considered a natural fit for the Lions’ vacancy. 49ers CB Richard Sherman endorsed him for that job in early December — and described Saleh as the CEO-type of coach the Jets are looking for.
“He has to get the Detroit job,” Sherman said, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. “Homegrown. He’s a great leader of men. And he’s not stubborn. He doesn’t just think he has all the answers. He comes up with a great plan and evolves it with his players.”
Saleh has run a stout defense in San Francisco. Even with injuries to multiple stars, the 49ers still finished the 2020 season fifth in yards allowed, fourth in passing yards allowed and seventh in rushing yards allowed. They did, however, allow 24.4 points per game, 17th in the NFL.
Saleh will now replace Adam Gase and become New York’s first defensive-minded head coach since Todd Bowles. The expectation, however, is that the 41-year-old will use his trademark energy to steer New York’s entire roster in the right direction.
*Check back for more on this developing story at Jets Wire.
