From SBnation bleeding green
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is the latest name that has been interviewed for the New York Jets head coaching job. A guy who people know as one of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL, since he became DC the 49ers defense has been one of the best in the league. His most impressive performance came this year when he lost his entire starting players to injuries but the defense still ranked 11th as a whole in 2020. That is outstanding considering what he had to work with the entire season. What’s really impressive is his ability to make sure his players are ready to go week after week, from making sure that they know their assignments to motivating them on the sidelines he is involved with what is going on the defensive side of the ball.
Robert Saleh started his coaching career at Michigan State university where he served as a defensive assistant at the age of 23, to which he was there for two years before moving to Central Michigan in 2004. In 2005, he went to join the Georgia Bulldogs to finish up his college years before moving to the pros. After college, Saleh joined the Houston Texans as an intern with the team where he would spend five years moving up in the ranks, he would become the assistant linebackers coach from 2009-2010. At 32 years old, Saleh joined the Seattle Seahawks as the defensive quality controls coach until 2013.
He finally got his shot in 2014 when he became the linebackers coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he was coached under Doug Marrone. He stayed with the team until 2016, then became the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers the following year. He was brought on by first time coach Kyle Shananan and since becoming the DC, his defense has put up strong numbers with and without his best players.
Robert Saleh is one of the most underrated coaches in this league that a lot of people don’t notice. You see him on the sidelines cheering for his players after every big play, and talking to them after any bad play. His involvement on the field is what the Jets lacked last year with Adam Gase, plus keeping everyone accountable is one of the best traits for a successful coach to which he has.
My only concern with him is his understanding in the offensive side of the ball and can he bring in someone that knows the game in and out. From what I’ve seen based on the reports is that Saleh would bring him some offensive assistants from the 49ers like Mike McDaniel or Mike LaFleur (younger brother of Matt). Those would be good candidates due to the fact that they’ve had experience under Kyle Shannan.
Saleh matches what the Jets would be looking for in a head coach, a true motivator as well as a culture builder. The Jets need an identity, Saleh would walk him and set the tone right away.