Jets land Robert Saleh

Highly-sought after 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh has landed a head coaching job. The 41-year-old has been named the new head coach of the New York Jets.

Saleh was largely considered the favorite for the Detroit Lions job entering the offseason because of his Michigan roots (He's from Dearborn which is near Detroit). However, reports seemed to indicate that the franchise was more impressed with other candidates, and the Jets swooped in.

Saleh started his career as a defensive assistant in the college ranks at Michigan State, Central Michigan, and Georgia. He moved on to the NFL in 2005 as an intern in Houston and eventually worked his way up to linebackers coach. He then spent some time with Seattle and went with Gus Bradley to Jacksonville whenhe was hired as the Jags' head coach. He joined the Niners in 2017 as defensive coordinator.

The San Francisco defense struggled at the beginning of Saleh's tenure but has now turned in back-to-back top 10 finishes. After leading the league in defense in 2019, Saleh's best job may have been in 2020. The 49ers' defense suffered many key injuries to starters and was playing with many inexperienced players. Yet, they still finished 6th in total defense. That is a testament to Saleh's capabilities.

Saleh has been regarded as a leader of men and a guy players love to be around. It's that leadership style along with his successes that made him an intriguing candidate. Across the league, you will find an abundance of people who will go to bat for him. The Jets were not an early part of the conversion, but New York landed a top-notch candidate.