Robert Saleh: New York Jets to hire 49ers defensive head while becoming NFL’s first Muslim head coach | NFL News

Saleh will be the first Muslim to lead an NFL team; He led the 49ers defense very successfully over the past two seasons; Jets looking for someone to turn around their fortune after two seasons of disappointment under Adam Gase

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh has agreed in principle to be the head coach of the New York Jets, making him the first Muslim to lead an NFL team.

He replaces Adam Gase, who was fired hours after losing 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 posted top-10 defenses in total yards (fifth), rush yard (seventh) and passing yard (fourth) under Saleh’s guidance 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, 41, has interviewed the Jets twice, and 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan is thinking highly of him.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with people if they don’t hire it,” Shanahan said recently.

“I mean, it’s as good as you can get.

“I hope not everyone is very capable and won’t hire him, so I can keep him. But I hope I won’t.”

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.