Four years ago, Robert Saleh was one of the hottest names in NFL coaching. As the defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers, he spearheaded a dominant defense that helped the team reach Super Bowl LIV, with standout players like Fred Warner and Nick Bosa thriving under his leadership. His rise culminated in him landing the head coaching job for the New York Jets, where he was expected to lead a rebuilding team back to relevance.
Fast forward to the 2024 season, and things took a dramatic turn. After a disappointing 2-3 start, Saleh was fired by the Jets. Now, with the Dallas Cowboys parting ways with Mike McCarthy, the team is in search of its next head coach. Amid a sea of high-profile names linked to the position, Saleh has emerged as a serious contender, with reports of a potential interview.
To better understand what went wrong with Saleh’s time in New York and how he might fit as the leader of America’s Team, Thomas Christopher of SB Nation’s Gang Green Nation shared his insights.
What Went Wrong with Robert Saleh and the Jets?
Saleh’s tenure with the Jets started with promise but ultimately fell apart due to two main factors. According to Christopher, one major issue was Jets owner Woody Johnson’s frequent interference in football operations. “When you have an owner with little football knowledge consistently meddling in personnel decisions, it becomes hard to establish yourself as the team’s leader,” Christopher said.
The second factor was Saleh’s tendency to avoid holding players accountable. “Saleh desperately wanted to be liked, by both the media and his players. As a result, he rarely held players responsible for their mistakes, which led to consistent underperformance.”
Saleh’s Relationship with Aaron Rodgers
During Saleh’s final season with the Jets, much was made of his relationship with star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Christopher noted that while there were philosophical differences between the two, particularly around offensive strategy like presnap motion, the relationship was not marked by serious clashes. “Outside of Rodgers, I can’t recall any drama with other players. Saleh is genuinely a player’s coach—sometimes to a fault,” he said.
How Would Saleh Fit with the Cowboys?
The Dallas Cowboys boast one of the most talented defenses in the NFL, headlined by stars like Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs. Saleh’s track record as a defensive mastermind makes him a compelling fit for Dallas.
“The edge rushers and linebackers would see the most significant improvement under Saleh,” Christopher explained. “That’s his bread and butter. He has a way of getting those position groups to perform at an elite level.”
Additionally, Saleh’s scheme would likely take pressure off the Cowboys’ secondary, allowing cornerbacks to play more freely and take risks that could lead to more turnovers.
Can Saleh Handle Jerry Jones?
One of the most unique challenges of coaching the Dallas Cowboys is working under owner Jerry Jones, who is famously involved in team decisions and the public face of the franchise. While Jones’s hands-on approach has been an issue for some coaches in the past, Christopher believes Saleh could adapt better than he did with Woody Johnson.
“Saleh’s relationship with Woody Johnson was strained due to constant meddling, but Jerry Jones has something Woody lacks: credibility in the league. Saleh is eager to succeed and would likely thrive under a more experienced and respected owner like Jerry,” he said.
Can Saleh Deliver a Super Bowl?
The ultimate question for Cowboys fans is whether Saleh can deliver the team’s first Super Bowl title since 1995. Christopher acknowledges Saleh’s shortcomings during his time with the Jets but believes he has the potential to succeed in his second stint as a head coach.
“Most coaches improve significantly in their second tenure. Saleh is already one of the best defensive minds in the NFL, and with the Cowboys’ current roster, playoffs would be the minimum expectation. While it’s impossible to predict a Super Bowl, I like his odds,” Christopher concluded.
Final Thoughts
Robert Saleh’s name entering the Dallas Cowboys’ head coaching conversation is an intriguing development. His defensive expertise, ability to develop talent, and potential to learn from past mistakes make him a compelling candidate. However, questions remain about whether he can overcome the challenges that plagued his time with the Jets and thrive in one of the NFL’s most scrutinized coaching jobs.
As the Cowboys continue their coaching search, Saleh’s name will be one to watch closely. Stay tuned to our website for the latest updates and analysis on this developing story.