The Jacksonville Jaguars have officially entered the search for a new head coach, and one of the names on their radar is Robert Saleh. The team announced Tuesday that they’ve requested an interview with the former Jets head coach, who is among eight candidates on their initial list. This list includes some of the hottest names in coaching circles, such as Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
Saleh, currently assisting the Packers as they prepare for their playoff matchup against the Eagles, has a reputation as a top-tier defensive mind. He gained prominence during his time as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020, where his schemes earned league-wide respect.
However, his tenure as head coach of the New York Jets was less successful, with a 20-36 record before being let go five games into this season. Despite this, Saleh’s defensive expertise remains undeniable. As noted in the text, “The Jets still struggled after he left, though, and the defense did not improve in his absence,” highlighting his value on that side of the ball.
The Jaguars’ interest in Saleh reflects their desire to bring in someone who can potentially elevate their defense while working with a young franchise quarterback like Trevor Lawrence. Saleh’s ability to craft a strong defensive scheme could be pivotal for Jacksonville, though his struggles with offensive strategy during his Jets tenure would need to be addressed. If given another chance as head coach, Saleh will likely need to assemble a well-rounded staff to complement his defensive strengths.
Will Robert Saleh get a second chance?
Interestingly, Saleh isn’t short on options this offseason. Even if he doesn’t land the Jaguars job, his name is expected to surface in discussions for defensive coordinator roles across the league. Teams like the Bengals or Giants could benefit from his defensive acumen. As mentioned, “A failed coaching stint doesn’t mean Saleh can’t run a good scheme,” making him an appealing candidate for win-now teams looking to bolster their defenses.
The Jaguars have also expressed interest in other candidates, including offensive minds like Kellen Moore (Eagles), Todd Monken (Ravens), Liam Coen (Buccaneers), and Joe Brady (Bills), as well as Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. With general manager Trent Baalke remaining in place despite some criticism, Jacksonville’s decision-making process will be closely watched as they aim to find the right leader for their team.
