HEADLINE

Report: Jets set second interview with 49ers DC Robert Saleh

Field Level Media

January 12, 2021 at 4:00 pm.

The first known coaching candidate scheduled for a second interview with the New York Jets is 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who is scheduled to fly to New York for another visit with general manager Joe Douglas.

Multiple reports characterized the development as Saleh becoming a finalist to replace Adam Gase as head coach, but the team has not confirmed that a second interview equates to finalist status.

Saleh, 41, had his initial interview with the Jets on Friday via video conference. He’ll meet with Douglas, who is making his first coaching hire, and members of ownership in person on Tuesday.

After a 2-14 season, the Jets hold the No. 2 overall draft pick and project to have a surplus of salary cap space to improve a young roster.

A respected defensive coordinator with San Francisco since 2017, Saleh has also interviewed with the Los Angeles Chargers, Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said he’s been worried about Saleh getting a head coaching job for two years and treated Week 17 as if it would be his final game with the franchise.

Veteran defenders also threw their support behind Saleh, including cornerback Richard Sherman.

“I expect him to be a head coach next year, because of what he’s able to do,” Sherman said in November. “He’s able to rally men. He’s a leader of men, and that goes a long way.”