Instant Reaction to Jets Hiring Robert Saleh as Head Coach

Robert Saleh has reached an agreement to become the next head coach of the New York Jets. Did they get it right?

The Jets had one of the worst seasons imaginable in 2020. Head coach Adam Gase stunted Sam Darnold‘s development and the team removed themselves as frontrunners for No. 1 overall pick, winning their two of their final three games.

GM Joe Douglas went with the opposite type of guy in his first big move this offseason. Saleh was the Defensive Coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers for the last four years. Last season, his defense played a huge role in the 49ers winning the NFC and gave the Chiefs all they could handle in the Super Bowl.

The difference between the two coaches starts with their approach to the players. It did not seem like anyone in the Jets locker room wanted Gase to continue being in the position. On the other hand, one would be hard-pressed to find a player in San Francisco that didn’t love Saleh.

He comes with so much energy and the Jets loved his leadership so much that they have given him a five-year contract. Richard Sherman–a potential future Hall of Famer–said that the Jets “got a great one” on Twitter after the news was reported on Thursday night.

Saleh was seen on the sidelines frequently celebrating with his players and one could tell that he was more passionate and enthusiastic than most coaches in the NFL.

Did they get it right?

It won’t be known if the Jets got this hire right until the team gets onto the field, but this hire has come with great reviews–something that didn’t happen with the Adam Gase hire.

Another example that the Jets likely got it right is that it was not just them that wanted to interview him. Saleh interviewed with every single head coaching vacancy except the Houston Texans–a team that has a disgruntled quarterback and clearly doesn’t have the right leadership in place.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with people if they don’t hire him,” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said about his now-former defensive coordinator. “I mean, he’s as good as you can get. … And he’s going to hire the best staff. He knows about players. He knows who knows what they’re talking about. … And he also knows how to deal with people. So, I hope everyone’s not very smart and doesn’t hire him so I can keep him. But I’m expecting not to have him.”