Long admired for his defensive skills, former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh won't be unemployed for long this offseason.
According to former CBS reporter Josina Anderson, Saleh has already received an offer for the open defensive coordinator post with the San Francisco 49ers, which he held from 2017 to 2020.
The 49ers helped Saleh establish his NFL coaching career by allowing the second-fewest yards in the league in 2019 and launching the careers of current NFL stars Dre Greenlaw, Nick Bosa, and Fred Warner.
Saleh will also interview for the head coaching vacancy with the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to Anderson. The 45-year-old is also familiar with the Jaguars, having been their linebackers coach from 2014 to 2016.
After a 2-3 start to the once-promising 2024 Jets season, Saleh was let go. He had a 20-36 record and no postseason trips at the end of his time in New York.
Before the season, Woody Johnson, the owner of the Jets, stated, "We have all this talent, and we have to deploy talent properly." "I believe the message was understood by all. It's this. Now is the time to leave. This year, we must deliver. This year, we have to produce.
Before Saleh was fired, the Jets' defense ranked second in NFL opponents yards/game and fifth in points/game. After he was replaced by interim head coach (and defensive coordinator) Jeff Ulbrich, those numbers dropped to 15th and 28th.
"That stuff throws you off, especially when they're vying for first in the division this week and I think they're up there on defense with a terrific squad and a potential to have a great year. That surprised me.”
Recently, the 49ers defensive coordinator position has been a revolving door. Before becoming Houston Texans head coach, DeMeco Ryans held the position in 2021–2022.
After Steve Wilks succeeded him in 2023, he was fired despite leading San Francisco to the Super Bowl. Nick Sorenson, who was fired after one season as 2024 coordinator, may become Special Teams coach.