Robert Saleh is in no hurry to return to the sidelines.
The former Jets coach will not join another team's staff midway through the season and will focus on the next offseason recruiting cycle after his shock dismissal from the Jets, The Post's Brian Costello confirmed.
san francisco chronicle Be the first to report Saleh's planswhich includes upcoming family vacations.
Saleh believes he is a top option for a team with a defensive coordinator this offseason after parlaying his talents as a coordinator with the 49ers into a head coaching position with the Jets.
The Jets still have Saleh under contract for the remainder of the 2024 season and next year after signing a five-year deal before the 2021 season.
That financial security allows Saleh to choose his next step, and there seems to be little incentive to join the team as an advisor or consultant compared to waiting for a coordinator vacancy.
Also, such a move would not provide financial aid, as contracts typically include language that reduces the debt of the former team with new income.
There are currently no openings for defensive coordinator positions, and even if one is hired, it is likely not a desirable job. If Saleh is waiting, you can choose from any available jobs.
Follow the latest updates on the firing of New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh.
There was some speculation on the internet that Saleh could return to the 49ers, who have struggled compared to the level of their defense this season. Chronicle broke that assumption..
Saleh served as the team's defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020 and helped the team reach the Super Bowl during the 2020 season.
“The bottom line for the 49ers is this: Robert Saleh won't walk through that door unless something special happens,” Mike Silver reported.
Saleh also has a strong relationship with Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, who just hired a new defensive coordinator in Jeff Hafley.
Even though his tenure with the Jets was disappointing, teams will still have interest in Saleh, as the team has had a top defenseman for the past three years.
The Jets have ranked fourth, third and second in yards allowed per game over the past three seasons, respectively. They are allowing just 255.8 yards per game this season.
Jeff Ulbrich was the Jets' defensive coordinator under Saleh and is now the new interim coach, but Saleh's imprint was clearly visible on the defense.
Saleh was unable to overcome offensive struggles related to issues at the quarterback position, as Zach Wilson failed to develop and Aaron Rodgers appeared in just six games under his tutelage.
The Jets' decision left the 45-year-old “blindsided,” according to Fox Sports.
He thanked the franchise and its fans in a statement with the Post on Wednesday.
“Dear players, I truly love and appreciate each and every one of you. The character of the guys in the locker room made it the ultimate privilege to coach you,” Saleh said on Tuesday. This was said in a statement released this morning. “Through all the ups and downs, you showed up every day and attacked every moment.
“To the coaches and staff, it was a pleasure working with you all. You all went 'all in' and made sacrifices for each other that will never be forgotten. Best of luck for the rest of the season.
“To the NFL's most passionate fans, thank you for embracing my family. It is an honor to call New York home, and I will be forever grateful for all the memories made here.”
