The New York Jets have taken a significant step in narrowing the search for their next head coach. Later today, the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh, will be flying in to meet with the organization.
He will be the first candidate brought in for a second interview, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
As the #Jets narrow their list of head coaching candidates, they are flying in #49ers DC Robert Saleh for a second interview today, per me and @MikeGarafolo. The first known finalist for the NYJ job, and there will be others likely in person, as well.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 12, 2021
Saleh is one of the most highly sought-after candidates for teams needing head coaches for next season. He has already interviewed with the Lions, Jaguars, Falcons and Chargers, along with the Jets. Now, the Eagles have requested an interview with him as well. To sum it up, Saleh is in high demand.
With all of the openings at head coach, he was expected to be one of the top candidates for seemingly every team. Since becoming the defensive coordinator for the 49ers in 2017, he’s been receiving a lot of attention, and rightly so.
The 49ers Robert Saleh defense got better each season with him at the helm. In 2017, they were ranked 24th in yards-per-game allowed. The following year, in 2018, the shot up to 13th. Last season, in which they went to the Super Bowl, they ranked second in yards-per-game allowed and were one of the elite defenses in the league. This season, while dealing with an immense number of injuries, they finished fifth.
Along with the great numbers his defenses have produced, his energy on the sideline is infectious and echoes throughout the team. The way he got his defense to produce each week, while missing top players due to injuries, resulted in the league taking even more notice of his ability.
Robert Saleh is more than deserving of a head coaching job in the NFL. If things continue down the same path, he could be the next head coach of the New York Jets.