Takes From the Jets' New Coaching Hire

On Thursday, the New York Jets announced Robert Saleh as their new head coach. Saleh was the defensive coordinator of the San Fransisco 49ers since 2017, where he inherited a defense that was historically bad, and turned it into one of the top units. His energy on the sidelines during games is noticeable and is something that the Jets need. Fans will be counting on him to turn the team around following one of the worst seasons in their history. 

Jets fans have a lot to look forward to with the hiring of Robert Saleh. To begin with, he's a fresh start following the tenure of previous head coach Adam Gase, who set the franchise back during his last two seasons. On game days, he brings much-needed energy and passion to the sidelines, which has been demonstrated on numerous occasions when the 49ers would come up with a big stop. His motivational and player-friendly demeanor, was well appreciated by players on the defense such as Sherman and Warner. So far, he has already reached out to every Jets players and they seem to like him despite not having played a game under him yet. Even with his motivational tactics, Saleh also has a technical approach on Sundays. With the hiring of fellow offensive coordinator Mike LeFleur, the offense will likely be run-oriented with lots of receivers in motion and play action passes.

Robert Saleh is a protege of one of the league's top coaches, Pete Carroll. During Saleh's tenure with the 49ers, his first two years weren't the easiest and there were calls for him to be fired. In 2019 however, the defense was one of the best units. Running a cover three defense, he finally had the group of pass rushers to really make his system work in Nick Bosa, DeForest Buckner, Erik Armstead, and Dee Ford. Fred Warner served as the perfect linebacker for that scheme, and Richard Sherman who he was with in Seattle, anchored the secondary. They were a big reason why San Fransisco made the number one seed and breezed through the playoffs en route to a Super Bowl. While they didn't win, it was still a successful turnaround for the defense. In 2020, many of the key players suffered injuries, but the defense still remained a productive unit. Saleh's last two years proved to be more than enough for the Jets to hire him. 

Overall, this is a very good hire for the Jets. Saleh really knows how to bring a winning attitude. This is illustrated through his 10 lessons of coaching:

1. Ignore the noise, trust your process.
2. Do what you love and love what you do with enthusiasm and passion.
3. This profession (coaching) is hard! Dominate the things you have control over.
4. Ready vs. prepared, there's a difference. Prepare for everything.
5. The three most dangerous words: "I got it." You must approach each day with humility to get better.
6. The NFL is a precision league. Every detail matters.
7. Stay true to yourself, be authentic.
8. Relationships matter, seek accountability.
9. Put together the right team, create an identity.
10. Invest in your team, make everybody around you better.

Saleh's ability to form bonds with his players is something the Jets haven't had in a while. So far, some of the key players on the Jets, mainly Quinnen Williams and Mekhi Becton, have approved the hire. Other players such as DeShaun Watson and Allen Robinson have expressed interest in joining the team. Watson, one of the premier quarterbacks is seeking a trade and has reportedly listed the Jets as his top trade destinations. Robinson, an upcoming free agent, has liked several positive tweets about the team. Based on Saleh's principles and the interest in players, the Jets have to feel good about this hire. 

https://www.49ers.com/news/robert-saleh-lessons-of-coaching-49ers-defense-quarterback-summit

If there's someone who can really put all of the Jets' dreadful years behind them, Robert Saleh could be the answer. His energetic and technical approach on Sundays could be a critical factor to the team. It doesn't often happen that a team makes a hire that everyone seems to love, but the Jets have made it. Now the results must come next.