Robert Saleh Considered a Finalist for Jets Head Coaching Job

 The Jets might be closing in on a head coach. 

San Francisco 49ers Defensive Coordinator Robert Saleh is said to have flown to New Jersey on Tuesday for a second round of interviews with Jets brass, and is the first candidate to get a second invitation for the job. 

If that is not an indication that Saleh is highly thought of by the Jets, I don't know what is. 

Saleh's defenses in San Francisco were always highly regarded. They were ranked fifth this year in total defense. Last year they were second in total defense and eighth in points allowed. His fiery personality rubs off well on players, and just about anyone who has played for him or worked with him has heaped praise his way. 

He is also a part of the Pete Carroll coaching tree, having spent time with the Seattle Seahawks during their Legion of Boom days, and won a Super Bowl ring with them back in 2013. Ironically, Saleh was on the Seahawks coaching staff that beat the Denver Broncos when Adam Gase was Denver's Offensive Coordinator. 

Even San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan said he would be surprised if Saleh didn't land a head coaching job this winter. 

The question is how quickly do the Jets want to act. Alex Marvez of Sirius XM Tweeted out this afternoon that the Jets could try to get Saleh signed, sealed and delivered as quickly as possible, because he is highly sought after from teams like the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles. 

That said, Ralph Vacchiano of SNY and Yahoo Sports wrote that Jets GM Joe Douglas has cast a wide net, and there is always the chance the Jets will invite more candidates for a second round, including Bills Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll. Daboll, Chiefs Offensive Coordinator Eric Bienemy, and Saints Secondary Coach Aaron Glenn can't conduct second in-person interviews until next week after the divisional round of the playoffs conclude. 

Then of course there is Doug Pederson. Pederson was fired Monday by the Eagles after a power struggle with GM Howie Roseman. Pederson is close with Douglas who was in the Eagles front office before taking the Jets General Manager's job. There is a thought that if Pederson wants to coach again this year, he would be a top target for Douglas and the Jets. 

If the Jets decide that Saleh is their guy and make him the head coach it will be fascinating to see who his offensive coordinator will be. 

There is a lot of speculation that he plans on bringing over Mike LeFlur or Mike McDaniel with him from San Francisco for that very role. 

Both are extremely young; LeFlur is 34, and McDaniel is 37 -- but he looks younger than that. 

What kind of offense a Saleh-led football team is going to have is very important -- especially with the Jets. Saleh -- or any other candidate that takes the Jets job -- has to decide what to do with quarterback Sam Darnold. The Jets have a $25 million, 5th-year option on the table that has to be picked up this spring. The Jets could stick with Darnold or trade him. 

If they do trade away Darnold, New York could target either Justin Fields or Zach Wilson in the NFL Draft with the second overall pick. However after last night's National Title Game, some fans think the Jets should break norms and take wide out deVonta Smith who had over 200 yards receiving in 'Bama's 52-24 triumph.  

It will be interesting. The question is is Saleh the guy? Or do the Jets want to keep looking for a head coach?