San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the media on Tuesday and shared his reaction to the surprising news that the New York Jets had fired head coach Robert Saleh. Saleh, who served as Shanahan’s defensive coordinator with the 49ers for four seasons, was let go by the Jets after a 2-3 start to the 2024 season.
Shanahan, who has a long history with Saleh, expressed his disbelief at the decision. The two coaches go way back, having worked together as assistants on the Houston Texans’ staff from 2006 to 2009. Their strong connection made the news of Saleh’s firing all the more personal for Shanahan.
“I sent him a text, but I haven’t had a chance to talk to him yet,” Shanahan said during his press conference. “And yeah, I was pretty shocked. That kind of stuff throws you off, especially when they’re competing for first in the division this week, and I think they’re doing well on defense. They’ve got a pretty good team and a chance to have a hell of a year. So it was pretty surprising.”
Saleh’s dismissal came as a shock to many, not just Shanahan, particularly because the Jets have one of the top-ranked defenses in the NFL. Despite their struggles on the offensive side of the ball, Saleh’s defensive unit has been a bright spot for the team.
Saleh wrapped up his time with the Jets with a 20-36 record over four seasons, but his tenure was marked by injuries and inconsistency, particularly at the quarterback position, including Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending Achilles injury just four plays into the 2024 season.
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Shanahan’s comments reflected the sentiment shared by many around the league—that Saleh’s defensive prowess was undeniable, and the Jets’ offensive struggles were largely out of his control. Even with an array of offensive weapons and Rodgers under center, the Jets failed to establish a rhythm on offense, leading to their early-season disappointments.
The Jets have since named defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
Their next challenge will be a divisional matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Monday night, a crucial game as they attempt to salvage their season amidst the coaching change.
For Shanahan, seeing a close friend and former colleague ousted in the middle of the season was tough, but his respect and admiration for Saleh’s coaching abilities remain clear. Many believe that Saleh, despite the setback, will find another opportunity in the NFL soon, given his track record and the positive reputation he’s built within the league.
As for Shanahan, he’ll continue to lead his 49ers as they push for their own playoff run, undoubtedly keeping an eye on how his former assistant’s career unfolds.
