Robert Saleh has his contract with the Jets today, making him the 20th head coach in franchise history. While speaking to the media, the former 49ers defense coordinator indicated that he would look for specific types of players as he helps the general manager. Joe Douglas fill in the grid.
“There are no shortcuts to success, and I’m committed to working with Joe to build this team the right way: with talented players playing fast and smart, and a staff that supports and helps them through everything. develop,” Saleh said (via the team website).
Douglas, who led the coaching staff along with the team president Hymie Elhai, noted that Saleh believes in many of the same principals who brought the Philadelphia management along when he joined the Jets in 2019.
“We’ve talked to some great coaches, but Rob is the right partner and leader for us.” Said Douglas. “His vision for this team is consistent with what we’ve been working on here for the past two years.”
The 41-year-old Saleh was an early favorite for the job due to the strength of his SF defense. In 2020, the Niners finished fifth in the overall meter, allowed seventh place in the chase and fourth place in the passing meter. In 2019, Saleh’s D delivered just 169.2 yards per game – the lowest average since then Rex Ryanse 2009 Jets D.
Let’s take a look at some notes from across the AFC East …
- Saleh and new offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur spent time evaluating Sam Darnold‘s band, and the coaches believe the Jets quarter has ‘untapped potential’ according to ESPN’s Rich Cimini. The former third overall pick had a rough season in 2020, which left some wondering if the new staff would prefer to take a quarter with the second overall pick.
- The eight Patriots players who did not qualify for the 2020 season were asked last week to return for the year-ends, writes Mike Reiss, ESPN. Widespread Marqise Lee and run back Brandon Bolden both have said they plan to play in 2021, and Reiss believes safety Patrick Chung, sink Matt LaCosse, and fullback Danny Vitale will also return. However, the author is much less sure of the offensive approach Marcus kanon and linebacker Dont’a Hightower will be back in New England.
- While Dave Ziegler was always an underdog in the Broncos GM search, he has the experience in a “multi-year contract and payroll as Nick Caserio‘s successor ”in New England, writes Reiss. The Patriots assistant director of player personnel eventually withdrew his name from the search in Denver, and Reiss writes that it is “a reflection of the determination that has earned him some respect in the Patriots offices over the past eight years.”
- Bills run back Zack Moss underwent a minor operation on his ankle this morning, tweets ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The 23-year-old is expected to fully recover from the ‘strict rope procedure’, and he should be ready to practice out of season. The third player completed his rookie campaign after putting together 576 yards of scrums and five touchdowns.