At least one team isn’t scared by Robert Saleh’s time in New York.
The Jaguars have requested an interview with Saleh for their head coach vacancy, the team announced Tuesday.
Saleh is one of eight candidates on the team’s initial list, which includes H๏τ names in Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
The former Jets coach is currently helping the Packers while they prepare for their playoff run, which begins Sunday against the second-seeded Eagles.
Many expected Saleh would be a potential H๏τ coaching candidate this offseason but as a defensive coordinator, a role in which he shined with the 49ers from 2017-20 before taking the Jets’ gig.
Saleh’s time with Gang Green proved unmemorable, with the 45-year-old tallying a 20-36 record before being fired after five games this season.
The Jets still struggled after he left, though, and the defense did not improve in his absence, showcasing his worth on that side of the ball.
The Jets struggled on offense during Saleh’s tenure and he clearly would need a better strategy should he receive a second chance as a head coach.
Even if the Jaguars opt to go in a different direction, it shouldn’t be surprising if Saleh is a highly sought coordinator this offseason.
A failed coaching stint doesn’t mean Saleh can’t run a good scheme and a win-now team like the Bengals could use someone with his defensive prowess to call their plays.
It’s possible the Giants could also be in the market for a defensive coordinator after owner John Mara expressed his dissatisfaction with watching opponents move the ball at will this past season.
Saleh could also take the 2025 season off if he so chooses since he is being paid by the Jets after they terminated his contract early.
The Jaguars’ other candidates are offensive coordinators Kellen Moore (Eagles), Todd Monken (Ravens), Liam Coen (Buccaneers) and Joe Brady (Bills), and Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
Jacksonville is looking for a new coach after firing Doug Pederson following three seasons, but it is keeping general manager Trent Baalke in a move that many are questioning.
After putting out a number of interview requests related to their searches for head coach and general manager, the Jets added another name to that list on Tuesday when they requested to speak with Bills ᴀssistant GM Brian Gaine, according to multiple reports.
Gaine has a history with the Jets, having played for the franchise in 1996 after signing as an undrafted free agent and spending the year on the practice squad.
He then got his start in the front office as a scout with the Jets from 1999-2004.
