In a surprise move Tuesday, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson abruptly fired head coach Robert Saleh. While the focus is on what the Jets will do to replace Saleh full-time in January, Saleh's future is also intriguing.
No doubt he would like to resume his coaching career in 2025. Let's take a look at the next steps for Saleh, who was appointed head coach of the Jets in 2021 and has a record of 20 wins and 36 losses as head coach.
NFL head coach job
It is highly unlikely that Saleh will become a full-fledged NFL head coach. He is now back and had less success as the Jets' head coach. So don't expect Saleh to be at the top of the team's interview list in the next coaching cycle.
college head coach job
Saleh, 45, has been coaching in the NFL since 2006. He spent five seasons as a position coach in college, including at Michigan State and Georgia. This shouldn't be taken lightly as the university could try to hire Saleh in November or December before the NFL coaching cycle begins, but that probably won't be Saleh's next step. .
NFL defensive coordinator job
This route is likely to be Saleh's next move. He has been a coveted head coaching candidate for several years due to his work as defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers from 2017 to 2020.
It's not uncommon for successful coordinators to struggle as head coaches. Those are two different jobs. And fired head coaches often return to coordinator and succeed in that role again. See Vic Fangio.
As a result, Saleh is expected to be sought after by head coaches as a defensive coordinator candidate in January. He'll likely get the coveted job in 2025, as he's at the top of many head coaches' defensive coordinator wish lists.
Of course, a coaching staff is built on relationships. As a result, Saleh may find himself adjusting to someone he has already worked with. So keep an eye on Kyle Shanahan's coaching tree as a starter. He has also returned to San Francisco with Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur, Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, or Shanahan.
No matter where he ends up, expect Salah to establish himself as a top defensive coordinator in his post-Jets career.
