The NY Jets reached an agreement in principle with 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh to be their new head coach. Saleh, 41, was one of the hottest candidates in this coaching cycle. He interviewed with every team that had an opening except the Texans.
Saleh and the Jets reached a deal after he interviewed for a second time with the team at the team’s Florham Park, N.J., headquarters. Saleh left Wednesday and went to Florida to interview with the Eagles, which led some Jets fans to worry he was getting away. The Jets interviewed Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith on Wednesday night and Thursday. They reached a deal with Saleh Thursday.
Saleh fits what the Jets were looking for to replace Adam Gase. He is an energetic leader who is loved by his players.
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said recently of Saleh. “I mean, he’s as good as you can get. … And he’s going to hire the best staff. And he also knows how to deal with people.”
Saleh’s defense was No. 2 overall in 2019 and a big part of the 49ers getting to the Super Bowl.
The Guy Report 