Robert Saleh signed his contract with the Jets today, making him the 20th head coach in franchise history. Speaking to the media, the former 49ers’ defensive coordinator indicated that he would be looking for specific types of players to help the general manager Joe Douglas fill in the timetable.
“There are no shortcuts to success, and I am determined to work with Joe to build this team the right way: with talented players who play fast and smart, and a staff that supports them and helps them develop, “ Saleh said (via the team website).
Douglas, who led the search for coaching along with the team president Hymie Elhai, noted that Saleh believes in many of the same principles that the Philadelphia executive brought with him when he joined the Jets in 2019.
“We spoke to some great coaches, but Rob is the right partner and leader for us,” Douglas said. “His vision for this team is consistent with what we have set up here over the past two years.”
41-year-old Saleh was an early favorite for the job based on the strength of his SF defense. In 2020, the Niners finished fifth in total yards, seventh in rushing yards, and fourth in allowable passes. In 2019, Saleh’s D surrendered just 169.2 passing yards per game – the lowest average since then Rex Ryan‘s Jets D.
Let’s take a look at some more notes from around the AFC East …
- Saleh and new offensive coordinator Mike The flower spent time evaluating Sam Darnold‘s tape, and the coaches believe it Jets quarterback has “untapped potential,” said ESPN’s Rich Cimini. The former third overall pick had a tough 2020 season, leaving some to question whether the new staff would rather take a quarterback with the second overall pick.
- The eight Patriots Players who opt out of the 2020 season were asked to return for year-end practice last week, ESPN’s Mike Reiss writes. Broadly Marqise Lee and run back Brandon Bolden have both said they plan to play in 2021, and Reiss believes safety Patrick Chung, tight end Matt LaCosse, and fullback Danny Vitale will also return. However, the writer is much less sure of that attacking approach Marcus Cannon and linebacker Not a Hightower will be back in New England.
- While Dave Ziegler was always an underdog in the Broncos GM quest, he parlayed that experience into a “multi-year contract and pay rise like Nick Caserio‘s successor ”in New England, Reiss writes. The Patriots Assistant Director of Player Personnel eventually drew his name from the Denver search, and Reiss writes that this is “a reflection of the decisiveness that has earned him a degree of respect in the Patriots’ offices over the past eight years.”
- Accounts run back Zack Moss underwent minor ankle surgery this morning, tweets Adam Schefter of ESPN. The 23-year-old is expected to make a full recovery from the “tight rope procedure” and to be ready to start training off-season. The third-rounder ended his rookie campaign after collecting 576 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns.