Well, the search is over. The Jets have reportedly agreed to a 5-year deal with Robert Saleh, 49ers' defensive coordinator, to become their next head coach. Saleh, 41, interviewed with the Gang Green virtually last Friday and quickly become the front runner for the job. On Tuesday, he flew to Florham Park for a second interview. Earlier today, the Jets also concluded a second interview with Tennessee offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. So, it was apparently between him and Saleh and the Jets brass decided to go with the defensive mind of the 49ers.
Saleh is expected to bring 49ers passing game coordinator Mike LaFleur with his as offensive coordinator. Saleh spent four seasons as the 49ers' defensive coordinator, where he inherited the worst defense in the league and helped transform it into a top five unit the past two seasons. He will have plenty of resources with which to improve. The Gang Green have two 1st round draft picks in 2021 (2nd and 23rd overall) and over $70M in salary cap space. The Jets also own two 1st round picks in 2022.