Five NFL landing possibilities for Saleh following the surprising Jets firing.
Typically, starting 2-3 with a Pro Football Hall of Fame-bound quarterback will not result in your dismissal.
However, on Tuesday, the New York Jets abruptly parted ways with head coach Robert Saleh after a three-year tenure.
The 45-year-old Michigan native went 20-36 at the Meadowlands, but that record needs to be viewed in context.
The defensive-minded Saleh consistently helped the Jets rank at or near the top of various critical defensive statistics, but the quarterback position was always lacking. Zach Wilson, who was not selected by Saleh, did not perform well as the No. 2 overall pick in 2021, and Aaron Rodgers suffered a ruptured Achilles a few plays into his start last season.
Since the 2021 season, Robert Saleh’s first in New York, the Jets defense has
First in points per drive.
First in EPA per play, third in success percentage.
…despite playing the fourth-most snaps during that period.
Saleh never resolved the quarterback issue, but man. He delivered on defense.
– Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) October 8, 2024.
Saleh and Rodgers will only play five games together in 2024, giving them no time to gel. The head coach apparently wishes to travel with his family until the next hiring cycle in 2025.
So, which NFL teams should be in the running for the proven coach? Here are five possible landing locations:
San Francisco 49ers
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San Francisco 49ers
The first team is an obvious choice. Saleh served many positions throughout the league before becoming the 49ers’ defensive coordinator in 2017. From then, he ascended to fame, leading San Francisco’s defense to elite levels and producing some of today’s notable players, including Fred Warner and Nick Bosa.
But, most significantly, his enthusiasm on the 49ers’ sideline was contagious. A fourth-and-one stop? Just look to the sideline and you’ll see him celebrating with exuberant enthusiasm, which the players and coaches took advantage of. Since Saleh left for New York, the 49ers have been led by now-Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, but they have battled to maintain consistency on that side of the ball.
The 49ers are unlikely to replace incumbent DC Nick Sorensen in his first season in charge, but head coach Kyle Shanahan should surely consider a reunion.
Dallas Cowboys
If San Francisco and Saleh 2.0 do not return, the 49ers risk having him lead a rival in some manner. Jerry Jones and the Cowboys should consider Saleh for the position of head coach or defensive coordinator.
Dallas had a strong defense under Dan Quinn, but now that he is with the Washington Commanders, Mike Zimmer has yet to provide the same level of command.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy is already under fire, while Dak Prescott provides continuity at quarterback — something Saleh lacks — while being a few notches below great.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars may be a good fit for two different positions: head coach and defensive coordinator. Doug Pederson, the former Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl winner, has been on a downward slope since reaching the playoffs in 2022 during his debut season.
The Jaguars are 1-4 and don’t have many saving graces, except that struggling Trevor Lawrence is signed to a big long-term contract. Lawrence has the capability to overcome his difficulties, but this may not be possible with the current team.
Ryan Nielsen, the defensive coordinator in his first year, has yet to put up respectable stats. Jacksonville ranks near the bottom of several defensive statistics, particularly in the secondary. Saleh, who served as Jacksonville’s linebackers coach from 2014 to 2016, might help in a variety of ways.
Indianapolis Colts
Another AFC South possibility is up north in Indianapolis, where the Colts may need to make defensive changes. Head coach Shane Steichen should be safe in his job after helping to improve things, but defensive coordinator Gus Bradley is in the opposite situation.
Whereas Jacksonville can at least compete with its rushing defense, the Colts do not have many successful departments on that side of the ball, prompting more urgent calls for a change because the offense is proven to be adequate despite injuries.
Miami Dolphins
Returning to Florida, Saleh is familiar with the Dolphins, but not as a former employee, but as a member of the upper management staff. Head coach Mike McDaniel formerly worked as the 49ers’ offensive coordinator and run game coordinator, while Saleh oversaw the defense.
Though current Miami defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is new to the position and may be promising given the players at his disposal, it may be an appealing opportunity for Saleh. He’d get to do it again with McDaniel while already having huge talents who can help right now.
Furthermore, he’d get to face the Jets twice a season in the AFC East, which would provide opportunities for vengeance and interesting headlines.
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