Robert Saleh spent four years coaching in the college ranks before jumping to the NFL as a defensive intern with the Texans. When he arrived in Houston, the young and energetic Saleh was met by a grizzled veteran on a mission to turn his defense into one of the best in football.
Broncos head coach Vic Fangio and Saleh spent one year together with the Texans before Fangio left to work as a special assistant with the Ravens. Sixteen years later, the two will duel as head coaches when Saleh and the Jets travel to Denver in Week 3.
“He’s not much for words,” Saleh said Wednesday. “Shoot, the first time I went out to dinner with him, I think he maybe only said two words to me and I was like, ‘God, this guy is having a terrible time.’ And he got up and he said, ‘Hey man, that was fun. We’ve got to do it again sometime.’ I was like, ‘Alright.’ So you learn the person as you get to know them.
“I took a lot from Vic. He’s one of the more detailed men I’ve ever been around. He’s got tremendous conviction in his philosophy. And you can see his personality, believe it or not, in the way they play.”
Fangio had an equally glowing review when asked about his former protege and friend — Fangio usually beats Saleh in golf with what Saleh called an “old man swing” — indicating he knew Saleh had a future in coaching at the highest level early on.
“Back then, we were only one season together, and he came in late that year,” Fangio said Monday. “Great work ethic and had a good feel for the game. You could tell he had a bright future as a coach.”
The Broncos and Jets are trending in different directions right now, but Sunday’s matchup between the two teams is destined to be a defensive battle with Fangio and Saleh calling the shots. No matter the end result, the two head coaches will come away from their first battle as head coaches with the same mutual respect they entered with.
“Vic really is one of the more genuine people I’ve ever been around,” Saleh said. “And like I said, I’m very fortunate to have been able to cross paths with him and know him.”
[listicle id=666647]