Robert Saleh: New York Jets to hire 49ers defensive boss as he becomes NFL’s first Muslim head coach | NFL News

Saleh will become the first Muslim to take charge of an NFL team; He has guided the 49ers’ defense to great success over the past two seasons; Jets looking for someone to return their fortunes after two disappointing seasons under Adam Gase

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh has agreed in principle to become the head coach of the New York Jets, making him the first Muslim to lead an NFL team.

He replaces Adam Gase, who was fired hours after a loss to the New England Patriots in Week 17.

This concluded two seasons at the helm of Gase, in which the Jets went 9-23, including 2-14 in 2020.

San Francisco fielded a top-10 defense in total yards (fifth), rushing yards (seventh) and passing yards (fourth) under Saleh last year.

In 2019, the 49ers were second overall in the league in total defense (281.8 yards per game) and first in pass defense, reaching the Super Bowl before losing to Kansas City.

Saleh, 41, has been interviewed twice with the Jets and is highly regarded by 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with people if they don’t hire him,” Shanahan said recently.

“I mean, he’s as good as you can get.

“I hope not everyone is very smart and don’t hire him, so I can keep him. But I expect not to have him.”

The Jets interviewed Saleh and Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith in person.

They conducted virtual interviews with Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, former Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, offensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills Brian Daboll, Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley and New Orleans Saints high school coach Aaron Glenn.

Saleh will become the 20th head coach of the Jets, which will be second pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The Jets, who lost a franchise record of 13 straight games to open the 2020 season, went five years without a winning record. They last made the playoffs in 2010.