When Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch decided to establish a model culture after their arrival in San Francisco in 2017, the foundation began to take shape with the addition of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. After inheriting a defense that came close to the bottom of the league in several categories, Saleh helped transform San Francisco into a Top 5 unit for the past two seasons, including the team’s best passing defense and second position in total defense during the 49ers 2019 Super Bowl run.
On Thursday, the New York Jets announced that it had agreed, in principle, that Saleh would become its 20th head coach in the franchise’s history. Saleh will assume a Jets defense that was 26th in allowed points (28.5) and 24th in allowed yards per game (387.5).
As one of the most wanted candidates with more than seven spots in the NFL, Saleh becomes the second main coach to find a spot. Jacksonville Jaguars ‘decision to hire former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer was the first to fall on the coaches’ carousel.
Take a look at the reactions of the entire league after Saleh’s signing.