Robert Saleh signed his contract with the Jets today, making him the 20th head coach in the franchise’s history. Speaking to the media, the former 49ers defensive coordinator indicated that he would be looking for specific types of players to help the general manager Joe Douglas fill in the list.
“There are no shortcuts to success and I’m committed to working with Joe to build this team in the right way: with talented players who play fast and smart, and a team that supports and helps them develop through it all,” Saleh said (via the team’s website).
Douglas, who led the coach search alongside included the team president Hymie Elhai, noted that Saleh believes in many of the same principles that the executive brought with him from Philadelphia when he joined the Jets in 2019.
“We spoke to some incredible coaches, but Rob is the right partner and leader for us,” Douglas said. “Your vision for this team is in line with what we have been working to establish here for the past two years.”
Saleh, 41, was one of the first favorites for the job due to the strength of his defense at FC. In 2020, the Niners finished fifth in total yards, seventh in running yards and fourth in allowed passing yards. In 2019, Saleh’s D yielded just 169.2 yards per contest – the lowest average since Rex Ryan2009 Jets D.
Let’s check some more notes from the whole AFC East …
- Saleh and new offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur spent time evaluating Sam Darnoldthe tape, and the coaches believe in Jets the quarterback has “untapped potential,” according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini. The first choice of third place had a difficult season in 2020, leading some to wonder if the new team would prefer to choose a quarterback with the choice of second place.
- The eight Patriots players who chose to leave the 2020 season were asked to return for their year-end physical exams last week, writes ESPN’s Mike Reiss. Wideout Marqise Lee and running back Brandon Bolden said they plan to play in 2021, and Reiss believes that security Patrick Chung, tight tip Matt LaCosseand defender Danny Vitale will also return. However, the writer is far less sure that the offensive attack Marcus Cannon and linebacker Dont’a Hightower will be back in New England.
- While Dave Ziegler always been an underdog in Broncos GM research, he took advantage of this experience in a “multi-year contract and salary increase as Nick Caseriosuccessor ”in New England, writes Reiss. O Patriots The assistant director of gambling personnel ended up removing his name from the Denver search, and Reiss writes that this is “a reflection of the determination that has earned him a certain respect at the Patriots’ offices over the past eight years.”
- Accounts running back Zack Moss underwent minor ankle surgery this morning, tweets ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The 23-year-old is expected to fully recover from the “tightrope procedure” and be ready for off-season training. The third round ended its debut campaign with 576 yards of scrimmage and five touchdowns.