New York Jets hire 49ers DC Robert Saleh as their next head coach

JAN 14 UPDATE: The Jets have agreed to terms with San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh to become their next head coach. The team announced the news late Thursday evening.

The Jets relieved Adam Gase of his head coaching duties following the team’s Week 17 divisional matchup against the Patriots. After a 2-14 season and a botched attempt at the No. 1 overall pick, the team finally had enough. Gase closed out his two-year tenure with the team sitting with a 9-23 record, with his last winning season in 2016.

Ahead of Gase, the team fired defensive coordinator Gregg Williams following an abominable blitz call that left the Raiders wide open for the last-second, go-ahead touchdown. They lost the game by three points.

The New York Jets are long overdue for an overhaul, with their last first-place finish in the AFC East in 2002 and last playoff appearance in 2010. Their only season above 0.500 came in 2015, in Todd Bowles’ first season as head coach. In 2020, the team ranked dead-last in offensive yards (4,479), yards per play (4.7), first downs (269) and points for (243).

Interviewed

The Jets have interviewed 49ers DC once already, but are flying him in for a second interview for Tuesday (1/12), per Ian Rapoport.

Jets completed their HC interview with Panthers’ OC Joe Brady, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Jets interviewed Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy, per Ralph Vacchiano.

Jets interviewed Ex-Bengals coach Marvin Lewis, per Ralph Vacchiano.

Interview request

Bills OC Brian Daboll, per Ralph Vacchiano.

Saints DBs coach Aaron Glenn, per Ralph Vacchiano.

Adam Schefter reported the formally requested to interview Chiefs’ OC Eric Bieniemy, along with Titans OC Arthur Smith and Colts’ DC Matt Eberflus.

They have also requested to interview Rams’ DC Brandon Staley. The Rams defense has allowed a league-low 4,511 total yards and just 17 passing touchdowns to opposing offenses through the 2020 season with playmakers at every level, from Aaron Donald to Jalen Ramsey and emerging DB Darious Williams. The Jets will need to wait until after the Rams Saturday playoff appearance before they’re able to conduct their interview.

Rumored interest

TBD