Usually, starting 2-3 with a Hall of Fame-bound quarterback won’t get you fired.
But such was the case on Tuesday with the New York JetsWHO abruptly severed ties with head coach Robert Saleh after a stay of three years.
The 45-year-old Michigan native posted a 20-36 win-loss record at Meadowlands, but that’s a mark worth putting into context.
The defensive-minded Saleh has consistently helped the Jets rank at or near the top in several important defensive statistics, even though the quarterback situation has always been lacking. Zach Wilson, who was not a Saleh pick, failed to become the No. 2 overall selection in 2021 and Aaron Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles a few games into his debut last season.
Saleh and Rodgers have combined for just five games in 2024 and won’t have time to get along anymore, head coach says would have looking to take time off with family until the next hiring cycle in 2025.
So, which NFL teams should be in the mix for the senior coach? Here are five possible landing points:
San Francisco 49ers
The first team is a gift. Saleh held positions across the league until becoming the 49ers’ defensive coordinator in 2017. From there, he rose to prominence, guiding San Francisco’s defense to elite numbers and helping produce some of the today’s stars like Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, to name a few. .
But, perhaps more importantly, his energy on the 49ers sideline was infectious. A 4th and 1 stop? Just look on the field and you will see him celebrating with a sparkling passion, which the players and coaches fed off of. Since Saleh left for New York, the 49ers now had Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans in the role, but struggled to stay consistent on that side of the ball.
The 49ers are unlikely to move on from current DC Nick Sorensen in his first season at the helm, but head coach Kyle Shanahan should certainly look into a reunion.
Dallas Cowboys
If San Francisco and Saleh 2.0 don’t happen again, the 49ers run the risk of him possibly leading a rival in some capacity. Whether as head coach or defensive coordinator, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys should also turn to Saleh.
Dallas fielded a stout defense under Dan Quinn, but now that he’s with the Washington CommandersMike Zimmer has yet to bring the same level of command.
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is already on the hot seat, while Dak Prescott provides stability at QB1 – something Saleh has yet to have – even though the 31-year-old signal-caller is a few levels below of the elite.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Whether as head coach or defensive coordinator, the Jaguars may make sense at two different positions. At the head coach, former Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl winner Doug Pederson continues to decline since making the 2022 playoffs in his first season.
The Jaguars are 1-4 and don’t have many saving graces, except for the fact that struggling Trevor Lawrence is tied to a lucrative long-term deal. It’s still possible for Lawrence to move on from his woes, but that might not happen with the current team.
Defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, in his first year, has yet to enjoy productive numbers. Jacksonville ranks near the bottom in many defensive statistics, especially in the secondary. Saleh could be an asset in several areas, and he worked in Jacksonville as the linebackers coach from 2014-16.
Indianapolis Colts
Another AFC South possibility is in North Indianapolis, where the Colts might need some changes on the defensive side of the ball. Head coach Shane Steichen should be secure in his job considering how he’s helped make things better, but it’s the opposite for defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.
While Jacksonville can at least contend with its rushing defense, the Colts don’t have many high-performing departments on that side of the ball, leading to more urgent calls for a potential change as the offense proves adequate despite injuries.
Miami Dolphins
Back in Florida, another team Saleh is familiar with is the Dolphinsnot in terms of previous work there, but rather in terms of senior staff. Head coach Mike McDaniel previously served as the 49ers’ offensive coordinator/running game coordinator, while Saleh simultaneously led the defensive team.
Although current Miami defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is new to the role and could show promise given the stars at his disposal, this could be an attractive position for Saleh. He could return with McDaniel while already having major talent that can contribute now.
On top of that, he could face the Jets twice per season in the AFC East, which would mean chances for revenge and intriguing headlines.
