Robert Saleh is the first Muslim to take control of an NFL team; He led the 49ers defense very successfully over the past two seasons; The Jets are aiming to turn their fortunes around after two seasons of disappointment under Adam Gase
Last Updated: 19/01/21 7:15 pm
Robert Saleh is to become the 20th head coach of the New York Jets
Robert Saleh has been confirmed as the new head coach of the New York Jets, making him the first Muslim to lead an NFL team.
The former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator replaces Adam Gase, who was fired hours after a loss to the New England Patriots in Week 17.
That ended two seasons above Gase, in which the Jets went 9-23, averaging 2-14 in 2020.
San Francisco installed top-10 defenses in entire gardens (fifth), rush gardens (seventh) and pass gardens (fourth) under Saleh’s leadership last year.
In 2019, the 49ers were second in the league in overall defense (281.8 yards per game) and first in pass defense, going on to reach the Super Bowl before losing to Kansas City.
Saleh said: “It is an honor to be the head coach of the New York Jets.
“To Christopher Johnson (owner, CEO, and chairman), thank you for this opportunity, it is one thing I have worked so hard for and it will give me everything I have.
“Through the interview process, it became clear that this was the right place to visit home. The passion that Christopher, Joe Douglas (general manager) and Hymie Elhai (president) have for this team is evident and is I look forward to partnering with them bring us where we want to be.
“There is no short cut to success, and I am committed to working with Joe to build this team in the right way: with talented players who play fast and agile, and staff who support and help them to improve through it. “
The Jets conducted personal interviews with Saleh and Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
They conducted meaningful interviews with Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, former Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll Los Angeles Rams defender Brandon Staley and New Orleans Saints High School Coach Aaron Glenn.
Saleh is going to be the 20th head coach of the Jets, having a second pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
The Jets, who lost a franchise record of 13 consecutive records to open the 2020 season, have gone five years without a winning record. They made the final playoffs in 2010.