The New York Jets have officially come to terms with 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh to be their new head coach. To put it simply, Jets fans should be excited about this hire. Sure, fans managed to talk themselves into the Adam Gase hire of 2019. Certainly, fans would have talked themselves into any hire the team made during this cycle. However, Saleh provides fans with genuine reasons for excitement and hope. The 49ers dealt with more injuries than almost any team in the NFL in 2020, and still managed to produce a successful defense. As such, Saleh was always going to be a hot candidate for head coaching positions in 2020. Even s0, Saleh’s demeanor and savvy are a welcome reprieve from the circus that has plagued New York since Adam Gase’s arrival. Put bluntly, Robert Saleh is a culture changer for the New York Jets.
Robert Saleh Will Change the Culture of the New York Jets
Player Enthusiasm
One thing that seemed to be lacking from the 2020 New York Jets was enthusiasm from all players. Sure, there were players who seemed to defend Adam Gase during his tenure, but there was undeniable tension that existed as well. Already, we have seen the excitement from current Jets players coming to fruition in the Robert Saleh era. This should not only enthuse the fan base but should reinvigorate the locker room to a degree many fans have not seen since the Rex Ryan days. There was very little quit in the 2020 New York Jets, and there will be none under Robert Saleh.
Sideline Energy
We have seen a number of ways Saleh has already been compared to Adam Gase during this hiring process. Being referred to as the “Anti-Gase” is maybe the best compliment he has received thus far. Saleh is known for the energy and bravado he brings to the sideline as a coach. It has been well documented before he became a major name in the head coach carousel and it should move even further to the forefront now. Saleh is an immediate spark to the energy and enthusiasm on the Jets’ sideline.
Some may ask, why is this so important? The answer lies in getting players to come to New York and getting players enthused to play. One of the main concerns of losing Trevor Lawrence to Jacksonville was the loss of possible free agents. That concern is still very much legitimate, however. Saleh’s presence may help ease some of the issues that come with the second overall pick. The sideline energy from Saleh may be more beneficial than many fans can comprehend.
Coaching Staff
Perhaps the most underrated aspect of this hiring is the coaching staff that Saleh intends to bring with him to New York. Headlined by Mike LaFleur, Saleh’s staff will be comprised of hot names who have seen interest before. LaFleur in particular has seen interest from other teams and his position on the staff could be a big boost for the offense. Whoever leads Gang Green in 2021 will have a plethora of resources and input from the coaching staff. This is surely something that was lacking during the Adam Gase era. Have there been opinions on what a top-notch coaching staff would mean for Gang Green? Absolutely, however, I am sure fans would deal with these ramifications. This time, for real, rejoice Jets fans. Your team got it right.
