It seems that former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh is poised for a successful 2025 season, with potential opportunities already on the horizon. ESPN NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler recently revealed on social media that Saleh has earned a second interview for the vacant head coaching position with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The interview is set to take place on Friday, January 24, and will give the Jaguars a closer look at Saleh after he impressed during his initial interview. Fowler noted that Saleh “acquitted himself well” in the first round of discussions, indicating that he made a strong impression and is a serious contender for the job.
Saleh’s name has become one of the most sought-after in coaching circles during this hiring cycle. So far, he has been interviewed for head coaching positions by three teams: the Dallas Cowboys, the Las Vegas Raiders, and now the Jacksonville Jaguars. While his tenure with the Jets ended prematurely in 2024, his future in the NFL remains bright, thanks to the respect he has garnered for his coaching abilities.
The Jets parted ways with Saleh following a disappointing 2-3 start to the season, with his firing occurring after the team’s Week 5 road trip to London, where they played the Minnesota Vikings. The move didn’t do much to turn things around for the Jets, as they went on to finish the season with a 5-12 record, going just 3-9 after Saleh’s departure. Despite this lackluster record, Saleh’s reputation as a coach remains strong, especially in light of the Jets’ struggles after his firing. His former team’s decline under interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich only served to highlight Saleh’s strengths, particularly his ability to build a top-tier defense. The Jets had one of the league’s best defenses in both 2022 and 2023 under Saleh’s leadership, and his success in this area has made him a coveted candidate.
Many experts believe that Saleh’s struggles with the Jets weren’t necessarily a reflection of his coaching ability, but rather a product of the Jets’ ongoing organizational instability. As a result, other teams are reportedly confident that Saleh would perform much better in a more stable and supportive environment. The Jaguars, in particular, have shown strong interest, and there is a growing sense of optimism around his candidacy for their head coaching position.
This buzz surrounding Saleh’s potential move to Jacksonville is not without merit. On January 13, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reported that there is “real buzz” about Saleh potentially landing the job. Rosenblatt pointed out that Saleh’s firing in Week 5 may have actually worked in his favor, as the Jets’ performance deteriorated significantly after he left, especially on the defensive side of the ball. He also noted that Saleh has plenty of supporters within the Jaguars’ organization, stemming from his time with the team as the linebackers coach from 2014 to 2016. His previous experience in Jacksonville could give him an edge over other candidates.
While Saleh has strong competition for the job, including former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who was a legitimate candidate for the Jaguars before being hired by the Chicago Bears on January 20, his chances of landing the position have only increased. With Johnson now off the table, Saleh is seen as a top contender, especially considering his reputation and connections within the Jaguars’ organization. NFL insider Connor Hughes of SNY shared on social media that Saleh is “very, very respected” within the Jaguars’ building, which further bolsters his chances of getting the job.
Should Saleh secure the Jaguars’ head coaching gig, he would also have the chance to face off against his former team in a highly anticipated matchup. The Jets are scheduled to travel to Jacksonville in 2025, potentially setting up a storyline of revenge for Saleh against the franchise that let him go.
If Saleh does not land a head coaching role in 2025, he is still likely to remain a prominent figure in the NFL coaching world. Rumors are circulating that he could be a prime candidate for a defensive coordinator position with the Dallas Cowboys or the San Francisco 49ers. In particular, the 49ers have been linked to Saleh, with sources reporting that the team is prepared to offer him the highest-paid defensive coordinator position in NFL history. According to Matt Barrows of The Athletic, San Francisco is reportedly ready to offer Saleh a deal that would make him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the league. This potential offer further underscores Saleh’s value as a coach and his importance in the NFL coaching landscape.
In conclusion, while Saleh’s tenure with the Jets may not have ended the way he had hoped, his future in the NFL is anything but uncertain. Whether he lands the Jaguars’ head coaching job or returns to a defensive coordinator role, Saleh’s coaching acumen continues to earn him respect and interest from several teams, ensuring that he will likely find success in whatever role he takes on in 2025.
