The Jets have plans to interview spirited 49ers DC Robert Saleh on Friday, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
With Gang Green in the mix, there are now five teams exploring interest in Saleh becoming their next head coach. Saleh interviewed with the Falcons on Monday and will do the same with the Lions on Thursday. He is also expected to interview with the Jaguars and Chargers.
Saleh, known for being a passionate, player-friendly coach, has been San Francisco’s defensive coordinator since 2017. He was Jacksonville’s linebackers coach and Seattle’s defensive quality control coach before heading to the Bay Area. He also spent a number of seasons with the Texans, starting off as an intern in 2005, though he has not been linked to their head-coaching vacancy yet.
Saleh is a Michigan native. 49ers CB Richard Sherman endorsed him for the Lions job in early December — and described him as the CEO-type the Jets are looking for.
“He has to get the Detroit job,” Sherman said, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. “Homegrown. He’s a great leader of men. And he’s not stubborn. He doesn’t just think he has all the answers. He comes up with a great plan and evolves it with his players.”
Saleh has run a stout San Francisco defense since he arrived. Even with injuries to multiple stars, the 49ers still finished the 2020 season fifth in yards allowed, fourth in passing yards allowed and seventh in rushing yards allowed. They did, however, allow 24.4 points per game, 17th in the NFL.
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