New York Jets: Robert Saleh is the best option as head coach

The New York Jets hiring Robert Saleh is the most sensible move for the franchise. 

After a 2-14 season that led to Adam Gase’s dismissal, the New York Jets were in desperate need of a head coach coaching and found one in former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed that Saleh would be signing a five-year deal to take over a franchise that has underperformed for most of the previous decade.

To say the Jets were miserable last season was an understatement. But Saleh does have one trait that works in his favor. He has a knack for getting the most out of his players, specifically the players in the trenches.

Coming from San Francisco, where line play on both sides of the ball led them to the Super Bowl, Saleh should have no trouble demanding excellence from those on the line of scrimmage.

Though he won’t have the luxury of first-round picks littered across his defensive line, he does have players such as Marcus Maye in the secondary who can help. Additionally, Mekhi Becton as the blindside protector on offense can only help. Apart from that, the roster needs a complete change, and Saleh must work with general manager Joe Douglas to address those needs.

Robert Saleh and the New York Jets are a good match but he has his work cut out.

This is not an easy job to take. The New York Jets currently are among the worst teams in the league despite some young and talented players that can be used as building blocks. The biggest questions are at the quarterback position. Sam Darnold does have talent, but given how he performed under Gase, it is up to Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas to thoroughly evaluate him and make a decision.

The bright spot of the season is that the team has the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. While Trevor Lawrence will almost surely be taken at No. 1, there are viable options with the second pick.

If Saleh chooses to stick with Darnold, he can address the receiving corps with Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith or add more protection on the offensive line in Penei Sewell. If he decides to change his quarterback, he has Justin Fields, Zach Wilson or even Trey Lance at his disposal.

Saleh has his work cut out for him and the media in New York isn’t as forgiving as it is in the Bay Area. Good production, however, gains the admiration from the folks in the Big Apple. In other words, he’s on the clock with the city’s eyes squarely on him.